Classical Tools in Structural Optimization

Classical optimization tools used for finding the maxima and minima of functions and functionals have direct applications in the field of structural optimization. The words classical tools are implied here to encompass the classical techniques of ordinary differential calculus and the calculus of variations. Exact solutions to a few relatively simple unconstrained or equality constrained problems have been obtained in the literature using these two techniques. It must be pointed out, however, that such problems are often the result of simplifying assumptions which at times lack realism, and result in unreasonable configurations. One would hasten to question if the consideration of such problems is purely an academic exercise; it is quite the contrary.