Performance characteristics of resizing algorithms for thickness optimization of plate structures

In optimality criterion methods, resizing algorithms derived from the appro priate optimality criteria are used for updating the design variables. Thes e resizing alogrithms usually consists of a step-size parameter, which ensu res convergence. This paper presents a parametric study on the convergence characteristics of resizing algorithms for the structural optimization of p late and shell structures based on both stress and stiffness optimality cri teria. An alternative method is also attempted for resizing the design vari ables, in which an iterative routine is imposed to adjust the thickness of each element individually until the strain energy density or the von-Mises stress of each element equals to the corresponding specified values. Conver gence properties of resizing algorithms are illustrated with examples of la rge number of design variables. This paper also investigates the equivalenc e between stress and stiffness optimality criteria. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scien ce B.V. All rights reserved.