A COMPUTER-SYSTEM FOR SOLVING INVERSE AND OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS

A system for solving a wide variety of inverse and optimization proble ms in solid mechanics is introduced. The system consists of a general purpose finite element method (FEM) analysis system ''Elfen'' and a sh ell which controls this system. The shell functions as a stand-alone p rogramme, so the system is physically divided into two separated parts . The ''optimization part'', which corresponds to the shell, possesses optimization and inverse problem solution algorithms. The ''analysis part'', which corresponds to an FEM system, serves for the definition of the objective function to which these algorithms are applied. The s hell has a user interface implemented in the form of file interpreter which imposes a great flexibility at the definition of various optimiz ation and inverse problems, including parameter identification in cons titutive modelling, frictional contact problems and heat transfer. Con cepts of the shell are discussed in detail.