Optimization

Abstract

Optimization had its roots in the scientific revolution period and thus is one of the oldest sciences [8]. For industrial applications, however it remained dormant until recent times. The pioneering work of modern structural topology can be traced back to 1981 when Cheng and Olhoff, see Keng-Tuno [5], introduced the concept of microstructure to structural optimization in studying the optimum thickness design of a solid elastic plate for minimum compliance. A continuum approach to structural topology optimization was first introduced by Bendsøe and Kikuchi [1]. Optimization of finite element-based structures is acknowledged as a useful methodology for achieving important improvements in product design and is widely used in automotive and aerospace industries.