Coupled problems of the optimization of the elasto-plastic deformation of metals

The mathematical formulation of a coupled optimization problem, which includes several optimal problems which are interrelated via the optimization parameters and functions of state, is analysed. The conditions for the existence of a solution are formulated and a technique for reducing the problem, to a sequence of optimal problems with unknown functions in the optimality and bounding criteria is described. A special minimizing sequence is constructed and its convergence conditions are derived. An example is given to demonstrate the method.