Structural optimization using beam elements

Techniques for handling beam elements in structural optimization are investigated. The complexities of evaluating the geometrical properties of a section, stress recovery, and design-variable selection are successfully handled by the concept of an element library, use of equivalent stress, and separation of sensitivity variables and design variables. Program implementation is based on the use of an existing finite-element analysis package and a numerical optimizer. The quality of linearization of the behavior constraint functions is also investigated. (Author)