New approximation method for stress constraints in structural synthesis

A new approximation method for dealing with stress constraints in structural synthesis is presented. The finite element nodal forces are approximated and these are used to create an explicit, but often nonlinear, approximation to the original problem. The principal motivation is to create the best approximation possible, in order to reduce the number of detailed finite element analyses needed to reach the optimum. Examples are offered and compared with published results, to demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of the proposed method.