Download or read book Developments in Structural Analysis and Synthesis by Function Minimization written by Lucien A. Schmit (Jr.) and published by . This book was released on 1971 with total page 150 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Function minimization methods in structural analysis and optimum design are discussed. A computer program which implements the energy search method of nonlinear finite element analysis is presented. Several recent weight optimization methods based on finite element analysis are reviewed. Special characteristics of the finite element method relevant to automated design are identified. Some efficient approximate analysis methods for optimization applications are explored. Applications of some of these methods to plane frames and finite-deflection trusses are presented.