Challenge of structural optimization

Structural optimization is still a controversial subject. Although each classical design process follows essentially the rules of optimization its computer oriented equivalent is often questioned. Since this pessimistic view is not shared by the authors the challenge is taken up. The present study tries to describe the entire spectrum of structural optimization, from its most general aspect of finding the topology or layout of a structure via the conventional shape optimization with its geometrical parametrization to a concrete application for shape sensitive structures. The entire spectrum is embedded into one common optimization program concept.