Optimal Design under Conditions of Incomplete Information Concerning External Actions and Problems of Multipurpose Optimization

Abstract

In this chapter we investigate problems of optimal design of structures under conditions of incomplete information regarding the external actions. In formulating and solving problems, we shall apply the minimax (“guaranteed”) approach of game theory. The application of the minimax approach reflects realistic situations that arise in design situations and permit us to consider simultaneously optimization problems under conditions of incomplete information and problems of multipurpose optimization. We introduce techniques for finding shapes of structures that are optimum for certain sets of external loads. The presentation follows research results of Refs. 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 56, 124, 161, 164, and 227.