Structural optimization under stability and vibration constraints. Course given in Udine, Italy, 20-24 June 1988 (Q1188584)

[The articles of this volume will not be indexed individually.] The book deals with a discussion of the structural optimization under stability and vibration constraints presented in Udine, June 1988, at the International Centre for Mechanical Sciences. The book contains five Parts. Part I, by \textit{M. Zyczkowski}, deals with optimal structural design under stability constraints. It gives first a general introduction to structural optimization, discussing typical objectives, design variables, constraints and equations of state. Then a chapter is devoted to optimization of shells in elastic range, but the remaining chapters deal with optimal design under inelastic stability constraints, mainly creep buckling constraints. Part II, by \textit{A. Gajewski}, is devoted to optimal design both under stability and vibration constraints. Basic optimization methods are discussed in detail, and then particular attention is paid to multimodal optimal design resulting from simultaneous analysis of buckling in two planes (columns and arches). Further problems discussed in this part are: optimization of plate under nonconservative forces, viscoelastic column compressed by a follower force optimized with respect to its dynamic stability, and a plane bar system in conditions of internal resonance. Part III, by \textit{N. Olhoff}, deals with optimal structural design under both stability and vibration constraints, namely with optimal design of conservative dynamical systems with respect to fundamental and higher order eigenvalues. A unified variational approach for optimal design of one-dimensional continuum systems with respect to simple fundamental eigenvalues presented first, and then extended to multimodal design and higher order eigenvalues. Part IV, by \textit{J. Rondal}, is devoted just to optimal structural design under stability constraints, namely to optimal design of thin-walled bars and beams. In this case not only single buckling modes must be taken into account, but also interactive buckling between single modes. Effects of imperfections are studied in detail, and the results are presented in various efficiency charts. Part V, by \textit{A. P. Seyranian}, deals with optimal structural design under both stability and vibration constraints, and mainly with flutter constraints. Sensivitiy analysis is used as a tool of optimization: it is presented both for discrete cases and for distributed cases. Gyroscopic systems, nonconservative problems of elastic stability, aerolastic stability of panels in supersonic gas flow, and bending-torsional flutter of a wing are considered in detail. This is an excellent book, covering a fairly wide range of topics and adressed to researchers and design engineers, but it may as well be used as an auxiliary text in teaching a graduate course in structural optimization.