Guptill, J. D. | Search NASA

NASA NTRS1993

Singularity in structural optimization

The conditions under which global and local singularities may arise in structural optimization are examined. Examples of these singularities are presented, and a framework is given within which the singularities can be recognized. It is shown, in particular, that singularities can be identified through the analysis of stress-displacement relations together with compatibility conditions or the displacement-stress relations derived by the integrated force method of structural analysis. Methods of eliminating the effects of singularities are suggested and illustrated numerically.

Patnaik, S. N.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Singularities in optimal structural design

Singularity conditions that arise during structural optimization can seriously degrade the performance of the optimizer. The singularities are intrinsic to the formulation of the structural optimization problem and are not associated with the method of analysis. Certain conditions that give rise to singularities have been identified in earlier papers, encompassing the entire structure. Further examination revealed more complex sets of conditions in which singularities occur. Some of these singularities are local in nature, being associated with only a segment of the structure. Moreover, the likelihood that one of these local singularities may arise during an optimization procedure can be much greater than that of the global singularity identified earlier. Examples are provided of these additional forms of singularities. A framework is also given in which these singularities can be recognized. In particular, the singularities can be identified by examination of the stress displacement relations along with the compatibility conditions and/or the displacement stress relations derived in the integrated force method of structural analysis.

Patnaik, S. N.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Singularities in Optimal Structural Design

Singularity conditions that arise during structural optimization can seriously degrade the performance of the optimizer. The singularities are intrinsic to the formulation of the structural optimization problem and are not associated with the method of analysis. Certain conditions that give rise to singularities have been identified in earlier papers, encompassing the entire structure. Further examination revealed more complex sets of conditions in which singularities occur. Some of these singularities are local in nature, being associated with only a segment of the structure. Moreover, the likelihood that one of these local singularities may arise during an optimization procedure can be much greater than that of the global singularity identified earlier. Examples are provided of these additional forms of singularities. A framework is also given in which these singularities can be recognized. In particular, the singularities can be identified by examination of the stress displacement relations along with the compatibility conditions and/or the displacement stress relations derived in the integrated force method of structural analysis.

Patnaik, S. N.↗