Structural optimization using the design of experiments and mathematical programming

Abstract

A new practical optimum design method that consists of two steps: the design of experiments and mathematical programming is proposed. The proposed method can be used for almost all kinds of the nonlinear problems including the impact behavior of structures, and that it can be carried out in much smaller number of finite element analyses than the other existing methods. It is found that the method is a very effective and powerful tool for the optimum design of various practical design problems.