Optimization method for the determination of the most unfavorable imperfection of structures

The paper presents an optimization method for direct determination of the most unfavorable imperfection of structures by means of ultimate limit states. When analyzing imperfection sensitive structures it turns out that the choice of the shape and size of initial imperfections has a major influence...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computational mechanics 2008-11, Vol.42 (6), p.859-872
Main Authors: Kristanič, Niko, Korelc, Jože
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algorithms
Classical and Continuum Physics
Computational Science and Engineering
Construction
Cylinders
Defects
Engineering
Girders
Limit states
Linear programming
Optimization
Original Paper
Production planning
Sensitivity analysis
Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
Ultimate loads
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Summary:The paper presents an optimization method for direct determination of the most unfavorable imperfection of structures by means of ultimate limit states. When analyzing imperfection sensitive structures it turns out that the choice of the shape and size of initial imperfections has a major influence on the response of the structure and its ultimate state. Within the optimization algorithm the objective function is constructed by means of a fully nonlinear direct and first order sensitivity analysis. The method is not limited to small imperfections and also allows the imposition of “technological” constraints on the shape of the imperfection, thus making it possible to avoid unrealistically low ultimate loads. When carefully constructed, the objective function and constraints remain linear enabling the use of numerically efficient and readily available linear programming algorithms. Imperfection analyses are shown for thin-walled girders and a cylinder to demonstrate the applicability and efficiency of the proposed method.
ISSN:0178-7675
1432-0924
DOI:10.1007/s00466-008-0288-9