Shape optimal design of elastic bodies using a mixed variational formulation (Q1094207)

This study is concerned with the development of a variational formulation and a procedure for the computational solution for the shape-optimal design of a two-dimensional linear elastic body. The objective is to minimize the maximum value of the Von Mises equivalent stress in the body, subject to an isoperimetric constraint on the area. The optimality conditions for this problem are derived using a mixed variational formulation, where the equations defining the elastostatics problem are dealt with as additional constraints for the optimization. The results of the analysis are implemented via a finite element discretization. The discretized model is tested in two numerical examples, the shape optimization of a hole in a biaxially loaded sheet, and of the design of a fillet.