SHAPE PROBLEMS AND DIFFERENTIAL-INEQUALITIES

In this paper we present numerous problems of shape optimal design tha t arise in structural mechanics, fluid flows, and other areas of engin eering and applied science, for systems described by differential ineq ualities. Several methods for characterizing domains are identified A variational formulation of the state problem, and of the derivative of the cost function, is presented throughout, in preparation for the de velopment of numerical methods of solution. Examples are used to clear ly illustrate the essential elements of shape optimal design problems. (C) 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd