SHAPE OPTIMIZATION FOR SHELL STRUCTURES USING IDEA OF TRACTION METHOD

Abstract

In this paper, a shape optimization method for shell structures is shown. The present method is based on the traction method proposed by Azegami. However, the algorithm of the present method is very simple in comparison with the original method. The sensitivity analysis is not need in the present method. The method is similar to large displacement analysis based on update Lagrange, and it is named "deformation method" in this paper. The reliability of the present methods is shown by comparing with the original traction method and other shape optimization methods. Several examples are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the present methods for shell structures.