Evolutionary Topology Optimization of Continuum Structures - Methods and Applications

There is a large body of literature in existence on structural optimization, but this book treads new ground with a comprehensive study on the methods and applications of evolutionary structural optimization (ESO) and its later version bi-directional ESO (BESO) methods. Since the ESO method was first introduced some 15 years ago by a research team (including Xie) in Australia, and the publication of his well-known book Evolutionary Structural Optimization in 1997, there have been significant improvements in the techniques as well as important practical applications; these are presented in this book, illustrated by numerous interesting and detailed examples. It is clearly demonstrated that the evolutionary structural optimization method is an effective approach capable of solving a wide range of topology optimization problems, including structures with geometrical and material nonlinearities, energy absorbing devices, periodical structures, bridges and buildings.§§ Presents recent developments and applications in this increasingly popular & maturing optimization approach for engineers and architects;§§ Includes a number of test problems for students as well as a chapter of case studies that includes several recent practical projects in which the authors have been involved;§§ Accompanied by a website housing ESO/BESO computer programs and test examples.A comprehensive study on the methods and applications of evolutionary structural optimization (ESO) and its later version bi-directional ESO (BESO) methods. Since the ESO method was first introduced, there have been significant improvements in the techniques as well as important practical applications; these are presented in this book, illustrated by numerous interesting and detailed examples. It is clearly demonstrated that the evolutionary structural optimization method is an effective approach for solving a wide range of topology optimization problems, including structures with geometrical and material nonlinearities, energy absorbing devices, periodical structures, bridges, and buildings.