Shape optimization of three-dimensional shell structures with the shape parametrization of a CAD system

This paper presents a method for shape optimization of flat or curved 3D shell structures, that takes advantage of the geometric modelling and automatic meshing capabilities of an existing parametric/associative CAD system. It is an extension of a method previously proposed by the authors for shape optimization of 2D and 3D solid structures. The implementation of the shell elements used is outlined, as well as the calculation of analytical sensitivities with the discrete method. The validity of the method is demonstrated with the optimization of two complex 3D shell structures.