Abstract
This paper presents a shape optimization method for linear buckling load maximization problems of plate and shell structures. The buckling load factor is set as the objective function, and is maximized under a volume and side constraints condition, and also multiple root limitation condition. The shape gradient function for this problem is derived using the Lagrange multiplier method and the formula of the material derivative. The shape gradient function is then applied to a velocity analysis. The free-form optimization method, a H^1 gradient method for shells is used to determine the optimal surface variation. H^1 gradient method for shells has been proposed by one of the authors. This method is applied to an open cylindrical roof and a short square pipe column. The results show the validity of this method to optimize arbitrary shapes of plate and shell structures for the linear buckling problem.
