Author(s)

G. Mathiak & E. Schnack

Abstract

An appropriate design model for 3D shape optimization of linear elastic structures G. Mathiak, E. Schnack Institute of Solid Mechanics, Karlsruhe University, 76128 Karlsruhe 1, Germany ABSTRACT After an introduction and a short summary of former results, B-splines qualities and the potential of a super curve concept are discussed for an application in 3D design models for shape optimization. An extended numerical examination of different curve descriptions is given. The struc- tural analysis is performed by a boundary element method. INTRODUCTION Finding an optimal shape means to design the surface of a structure of a given kind and out of a specified material so that one or more criteria could not be met better and others are not violated. If the designing process is to be done numerically a finite dimensional design vector P has to be defined. It describes the variable part of the boundary uniquely. With P it is possible to transform general engineering applications to

Keywords