A Variational Principal, the Finite Element Method, and Optimal Structural Design for Given Deflection.

Abstract

The report is concerned with the minimum weight design of elastic structures with deflection constraints. A variational principle is derived from which optimality (necessary) criteria can be obtained in one-dimensional (beams, trusses, frames, etc.), two-dimensional (plates, shells, etc.), or three-dimensional cases. The principle is particularly well suited for problems involving single or multiple pointwise deflection constraints. The use of a variational principle suggests the finite element method as a practical computational technique. In combination with an iterative scheme, the efficacy of the approach is demonstrated for solid and sandwich plates under general load and a deflection constraint at an arbitrary point within the plate domain. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0774659

Entities

People

  • Gilbert A. Hegemier
  • H. T. Tang

Organizations

  • University of California, San Diego

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Deflection
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Geometry
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Properties
  • Three Dimensional
  • Two Dimensional
  • Variational Principles

Readers

  • Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
  • Structural Dynamics.