Structural Optimization with FEM-based Shakedown Analyses

In this paper, a mathematical programming formulation is presented for the structural optimization with respect to the shakedown analysis of 3-D perfectly plastic structures on basis of a finite element discretization. A new direct algorithm using plastic sensitivities is employed in solving this optimization formulation. The numerical procedure has been applied to carry out the shakedown analysis of pipe junctions under multi-loading systems. The new approach is compared to so-called derivative-free direct search methods. The computational effort of the proposed method is much lower compared to this methods.