Optimal shakedown design of circular plates using a yield criterion of the mean

Abstract

Structural optimization based on the shakedown theory is a powerful and promising technique, but due to pchysical material nonlinearities and the number of variable loads in real structures it is computationally complex and time-consuming. To simplify such non-linear, non-convex optimisation problems, the paper suggests reducing the number of yield conditions. The so-called yield criterion of the mean is analysed and explained in detail. It allows writing one yield condition for the entire finite element instead of multiple point-wise conditions. This approach shows promising results in numerical application to the optimisation of a circular plate. Methods applied are based on the assumptions of perfect plasticity and small deformations.