Shape optimization in contact problems of the theory of elasticity with incomplete external loading data

The contact interaction without friction of an absolutely rigid punch with an elastic half-space is considered. The external loads on the elastic medium are not fixed in advance, but a set containing all the admissible forms of applied forces is assumed to be specified. Using a guaranteed (minimax) approach, problems of optimizing the shape of the punch from the condition that its mass is a minimum are formulated. Inequality-type constraints, imposed on the total force and moments applied to the punch from the elastic-medium side, are assumed. Using Betti's reciprocal theorem and calculating the “worst” case for different types of constraints, the corresponding forces are determined and the optimum shape of the punch is obtained in analytical form.