Optimal design of layered structures under dynamic loading

A direct search procedure is presented to treat problems of optimization of layered structures subjected to dynamic loading conditions. The procedure combines the basic idea of the complex method of Box to locate the next trial point, with a local direct pattern search of Hooke and Jeeves to insure the continuous accelerative movement toward the optimum. The method is applied to two problems of optimal design for minimum tensile stress at the interfaces in layered structures under time-harmonic loads and transient loads, respectively.