Optimization of Plastic Stepped Plates Subjected to Impulsive Loading

An optimization technique is developed for rigid-plastic axisymmetric plates subjected to impulsive loading. The thickness of the plate is assumed to be piecewise constant. Both, ideal homogeneous and fiber reinforced materials are considered. Necessary optimality conditions are established with the aid of variational methods of the theory of optimal control whereas the method of mode form motions is used. Numerical results are presented for an annular plate clamped at the inner edge and free at the outer edge.