| Abstract: | The problem of optimal design of the shape of an internal or external boundry of an elastic bar in torsion is formulated by assuming the boundary shape is described by a set of prescribed shape functions and a set of shape parameters. The optimization procedure is reduced to determination of these parameters. For constant volume or material cost constraint, the optimality conditions are derived for the case of maximizing of torsional rigidity of elastic bars of linear material. The optimal shape problem is next formulated by means of the finite element method and the interative solution algorithm is discussed by using the optimality crieria. Several simple numerical examples are included. |
