Author(s)

Marc Sartor & Jean Guillot

Abstract

The transfer matrix method is applied to the static analysis of axisymmetric shaped and loaded shells, by using a straight element with linear thickness variation. Two examples of sizing and shape optimisation are presented, based on the simple combination of this analysis and a mathematical programming method. This approach is shown to be easy to design and to implement. 1 Introduction Most major finite element software has a built-in optimisation function today. But fairly often, it happens that attempts to solve a particular problem are hampered by the difficulty in finding the right option consistent with the exact requirement. Having been faced with this problem in optimising axisymmetric shells, we have therefore tried to develop our own tool. In reviewing the li

Keywords