Structural optimization using interior penalty function

Mathematical programming methods are among the most powerful optimization techniques. They may be classified into direct or indirect methods. In the indirect methods, the constrained design problem is converted into a sequence of unconstrained problems using penalty functions. In this way, the optimal solution of a constrained problem may be obtained using one of the unconstrained search techniques. The interior penalty function appears to be the most reliable uncon strained method while the variable metric method seems to be an extremely powerful algorithm. This paper presents the use of the interior penalty function coupled with the variable metric method for the solution of structural design optimization problems.