Fail-Safe Optimal Design of Structures

In this paper, a new class of structural design problems is defined. The problem is to design a structure that is safe, even after certain damage conditions are imposed. A generalized steepest descent algorithm is developed for solution of this class of problems. The algorithm is used to optimize a three member, a four member and a seventy-two member structure under stress, displacement, buckling, natural frequency, and design [vdot]ariable constraints and subjected to multiple loading conditions.