2104 A Solution to Shape Identification Problem of Shell Structure for a Given Deformed Shape

Abstract

In this paper we present a free-form optimization method for the optimum design of shell structures in order to control the static deformed shape to a desired one. As an objective functional, we introduced a squared deformed shape error norm on the prescribed surface. It is assumed that the shell is varied in the normal direction to the surface and the thickness is constant. A non-parametric shape optimization problem with a volume constraint is formulated, and the shape gradient function is theoretically derived. The free-form optimization method is applied to determine the optimal smooth shell while minimizing the objective functional. The calculated results show the effectiveness of the proposed method for the optimal free-form design of the shell structure with a desired deformed shape.