A MATHEMATICAL-MODEL OF HIGHER-LEVEL STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMSAND THEIR SOLUTION

In this paper, a new mathematical model suitable for higher level stru ctural optimization problems, such as optimization of structural topol ogy, layout and type is presented. In this mathematical model, the rel ation between two structures with different layouts is established by introducing the nonbasic variables, Using the Kuhn-Tucker condition fo r optimality, a criterion for determining a better layout of a structu re is developed. This provides a measure for selecting the optimal lay out of a structure. The method introduces a new way for higher level s tructural optimization design, Several numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of this method.