Parameterization based shape optimization: theory and practical implementation aspects

Abstract

Purpose

To present an approach to parameterization based shape optimization of statically loaded structures and to propose its practical implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to establish a convenient shape parameterization, the design element technique is employed. A rational Bézier body is used to serve as the design element. The design element is used to retrieve the nodal geometrical data of finite elements (FEs). Their field geometrical data are obtained using the FE own internal functions. For practical implementation it is proposed to establish the optimization cycle by two separately running processes. The data exchange is established by using self‐descriptive and platform‐independent XML conforming data files.

Findings

The proposed approach offers an unified approach to shape optimization of skeletal, as well as continuous structures. Structural shape may be varied smoothly with a relative small set of design variables. The employment of a gradient‐based optimization algorithm assures computational efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

The aspects of FE mesh deterioration are not considered in this work. This would be necessary if for the actual problem at hand major and excessively non‐uniform shape changes of the FE mesh are expected.

Practical implications

A useful source of information for someone who is planning to develop a general or special‐purpose integrated structural analysis and shape optimization software.

Originality/value

The paper offers a rather simple, but quite powerful approach to structural shape optimization together with practical hints for its computational implementation.

Citation

Kegl, M. (2005), "Parameterization based shape optimization: theory and practical implementation aspects", Engineering Computations, Vol. 22 No. 5/6, pp. 646-663. https://doi.org/10.1108/02644400510603041