This article gives a review of optimization of structures in mechanical contact. Emphasis is put on linear elastic structures in frictionless contact. In particular, for optimization problems where an energy objective is used, a unified framework is given in parallel with the review. Papers related to optimal control of variational inequalities or dealing with pure sensitivity analysis are treated in less detail. Problems involving friction are also reviewed at a less detailed level. It is explained why structural optimization problems involving contact cannot be treated within classical smooth optimization theory and how they relate to modern fields such as nonsmooth optimization and mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints (MPECs). Throughout the article, discrete and continuous problems are treated in parallel. This review article includes 106 references.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
April 1999
Review Articles
Optimization of Structures in Unilateral Contact
D. Hilding,
D. Hilding
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Division of Mechanics, Linko¨ping University, S-581 83 Linko¨ping, Sweden
Search for other works by this author on:
A. Klarbring,
A. Klarbring
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Division of Mechanics, Linko¨ping University, S-581 83 Linko¨ping, Sweden
Search for other works by this author on:
J. Petersson
J. Petersson
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Division of Mechanics, Linko¨ping University, S-581 83 Linko¨ping, Sweden
Search for other works by this author on:
D. Hilding
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Division of Mechanics, Linko¨ping University, S-581 83 Linko¨ping, Sweden
A. Klarbring
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Division of Mechanics, Linko¨ping University, S-581 83 Linko¨ping, Sweden
J. Petersson
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Division of Mechanics, Linko¨ping University, S-581 83 Linko¨ping, Sweden
Appl. Mech. Rev. Apr 1999, 52(4): 139-160 (22 pages)
Published Online: April 1, 1999
Article history
Online:
April 14, 2009
Citation
Hilding, D., Klarbring, A., and Petersson, J. (April 1, 1999). "Optimization of Structures in Unilateral Contact." ASME. Appl. Mech. Rev. April 1999; 52(4): 139–160. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3098931
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Cited By
Acoustic Emission in Ceramic Matrix Composites
Appl. Mech. Rev
Multi-Body Hydrodynamic Interactions in Fish-Like Swimming
Appl. Mech. Rev (May 2024)
Related Articles
Sensitivity Analysis of Optimal Building Thermal Mass Control
J. Sol. Energy Eng (November,2007)
Parametric Sensitivity Analysis of Fast Load Changes of a Dynamic MCFC Model
J. Fuel Cell Sci. Technol (May,2008)
Design of Compliant Thermal Actuators Using Structural Optimization Based on the Level Set Method
J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng (March,2011)
A Numerical Study on the Sensitivity of the Discrete Element Method for Hopper Discharge
J. Pressure Vessel Technol (June,2009)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Feedback-Aided Minimum Joint Motion
Robot Manipulator Redundancy Resolution
Constraints
Nonlinear Regression Modeling for Engineering Applications: Modeling, Model Validation, and Enabling Design of Experiments
Realization of Nonparametric Structural Optimization in Design of Aircraft Components
International Conference on Advanced Computer Theory and Engineering (ICACTE 2009)