| A recently developed optimization technique of great practical potential is presented in this study. The technique is based on two developments. First, it utilizes a successive Quadratic Programming algorithm originally presented by Han and implemented by Powell for solving nonlinear constrained optimization problems. A Quasi-Newton method is used to approximate the Hessian matrix, resulting in near-quadratic convergence to at least a local optimum. Second, the procedure uses the work of Berna et al., who developed a decomposition procedure for the Han-Powell algorithm. The procedure partitions the original design variables into independent and dependent variables, eliminates the dependent variables, and thus yields a much reduced Quadratic Programming problem to be solved at each iteration.; The optimization technique is applied to optimize two types of optimal structural design problems, truss and planar frame. Both element size parameters and some structure joint coordinates are treated as the design variables of the optimization problem. The results obtained with this technique are promising.; The extension of the applications of the optimization technique to other types of finite element problems is illustrated by solving plate element examples. |
