Unified topology design of static and vibrating structures using multiobjective optimization

Since structural design is usually required to perform in more than one env ironment, the ability to consider multiple objectives has to be included wi thin the framework of topology optimization. A unified topology design meth odology is proposed to generate structures satisfying both static and vibra tion performance measures using the multiobjective optimization approach. T he weighted sum of conflicting objectives resulting from the norm method is used to generate the optimal compromise solutions, and the decision functi on is set to select the preferred solution. The objective function is defin ed by the mean compliance and mean eigenvalue to design a flexible structur e which meets both the static and vibration requirements. The optimality co nditions of the bicriteria problem are derived based on the modified optima lity criteria method. To substantiate this approach, illustrated examples a re presented both for verification and application. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd. All rights reserved.