Uncertainty and Optimization in Structural Mechanics

Optimization is generally a reduction operation of a definitequantity. This process naturally takes place in our environment andthrough our activities. For example, many natural systems evolve,in order to minimize their potential energy. Modeling thesephenomena then largely relies on our capacity to artificiallyreproduce these processes. In parallel, optimization problems havequickly emerged from human activities, notably from economicconcerns. This book includes the most recent ideas coming fromresearch and industry in the field of optimization, reliability andthe recognition of accompanying uncertainties. It is made up ofeight chapters which look at the reviewing of uncertainty tools,system reliability, optimal design of structures and theiroptimization (of sizing, form, topology and multi-objectives)- along with their robustness and issues on optimal safetyfactors. Optimization reliability coupling will also be tackled inorder to take into account the uncertainties in the modeling andresolution of the problems encountered. The book is aimed atstudents, lecturers, engineers, PhD students and researchers. Contents 1. Uncertainty. 2. Reliability in Mechanical Systems. 3. Optimal Structural Design. 4. Multi-object Optimization with Uncertainty. 5. Robust Optimization. 6. Reliability Optimization. 7. Optimal Security Factors Approach. 8. Reliability-based Topology Optimization. About the Authors Abdelkhalak El Hami is Professor at the Institut National desSciences Appliquées, Rouen, France. He is the author of manyarticles and books on optimization and uncertainty. Bouchaib Radi is Professor in the Faculty of Sciences andTechnology at the University of Hassan Premier, Settat, Morocco.His research interests are in such areas as structuraloptimization, parallel computation, contact problem and metalforming. He is the author of many scientific articles andbooks.