Modeling and Optimization of Aero-Space and Naval Structures

After being able to determine structural behavior by means of finite methods, an important goal of engineering activities is to improve and to optimize technical designs, structural assemblies and structural components. The task of structural optimization is to support the engineer in searching for the best possible design alternatives to specific structures. The “best possible” or “optimal” structure is the structure which closely correspond to the designer’s desired concept and his objectives while at the same time meeting the functional, manufacturing, and application demands. In comparison to the “trial and error” method generally used in the engineering environment and based on an intuitive empirical approach, the determination of optimal solutions by applying mathematical optimization procedures is more reliable and efficient if correctly applied. These procedures are increasingly entering industrial practice [1].