DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTIPLIER METHOD FOR DYNAMIC-RESPONSE OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS

The multiplier method is studied for optimum design of mechanical and structural systems subjected to dynamic loads. Certain key parameters in the algorithm are identified and extensive numerical experiments ar e conducted to see their effect on the performance of the method. Seve ral mathematical programming problems, and static and dynamic response structural design problems are used to evaluate the method. Some new numerical procedures are proposed and evaluated to improve performance of the method. As a result of this study, a better understanding of t he multiplier method has been achieved, and the effect of various para meters and procedures of the algorithm is better understood.