After successful completion of the course, students are able to apply fundamental concepts of mathematical optimization to structural mechanics and name the limits of structural optimization. They have the ability to choose appropriate optimization methods and analysis tools.

Introduction, Review of mathematical optimization methods, Formulation of objective functions in structural mechanics, Formulation of constraint functions, penalty methods applied to structural problems, Evolutionary strategies and genetic algorithms, Response surface methods, adaptive strategies, Shape optimization, Stochastic aspects, robust optimization, parameter identification, mathematical surrogate models.

Explanation of technical contents, calculation of exercise examples, individual work on projects.

Tuesday 10:15 - 11:45. First session is on Tue, 13 April 2021. A Zoom link will be sent to all who have registered.

Oral exam: Solution of a project problem is required for admission to the exam.

Lecture notes for this course can be downloaded during the semester.

J. Nocedal and S. J. Wright, Numerical Optimization, Springer, 2006.

Basic knowledge of mathematics and structural mechanics.