The book covers new developments in structural topology optimization.
Basic features and limitations of Michell's truss theory, its extension
to a broader class of support conditions, generalizations of truss
topology optimization, and Michell continua are reviewed. For elastic
bodies, the layout problems in linear elasticity are discussed and the
method of relaxation by homogenization is outlined. The classical
problem of free material design is shown to be reducible to a locking
material problem, even in the multiload case. For structures subjected
to dynamic loads, it is explained how they can be designed so that the
structural eigenfrequencies of vibration are as far away as possible
from a prescribed external excitation frequency (or a band of excitation
frequencies) in order to avoid resonance phenomena with high vibration
and noise levels. For diffusive and convective transport processes and
multiphysics problems, applications of the density method are discussed.
In order to take uncertainty in material parameters, geometry, and
operating conditions into account, techniques of reliability-based
design optimization are introduced and reviewed for their applicability
to topology optimization.