Linked Region Variable Technique in Structural Optimization

Several automated redesign methods have been proposed for static linear structures. Those methods that use approximate modes incorporate different length scales into the basis vectors, including the overall geometric scale, the loading scale and possibly vibration wavelength scales. The proposed approach uses Ritz vectors derived from pseudo-loads acting on linked-design-variable regions and hence bring a “redesign scale” into the set of base vectors. The results look promising for cases of redesign where substantial changes are required in regional parameters. As might be expected, “pseudo-force modes” due to loads at a regional length scale are best able to predict response of a structure with changes on that length scale. To date only the “forward” problem has been solved, and the fully automated redesign using nonlinear mathematical programming is underway.