Strategies for interactive structural optimization and composite material selection

The use of standard optimization in structural design often creates a mathematical problem which does not accurately represent the practical design problem. A proposed solution is the use of a designer's experience and insight by means of interactive approaches. The tremendous bulk of data to be evaluated in larger scale problems, however, often prohibits the effective use of this solution. Accordingly, it is necessary to employ proper data condensation and data preparation techniques. This papaer demonstrates the use of such techniques with regard to the optimization of designs employing composite materials.