Some Considerations in Efficient Design of Light Weight Structures

Digital computers are being used in many engineering activities to support design work. The process is complex and direct use of the design and analysis programs often results in large design costs and time. The paper provides some potentially useful schemes for reducing such cost in designing structures. The schemes are based on the concepts of element and cross-section idealizations while maintaining the characteristics of the load path. An example of a double layer reinforced panel is given and it is shown how these schemes can lead to increased flexibility and reduced cost in obtaining minimum weight designs.