ABSTRACT
Structural design optimization under impact loading faces two difficulties. First, the
inherent complexity of the finite element model required for modeling the
complicated physical phenomenon, and second the high computational cost required
by the iterative nature of numerical optimization. This paper presents a practical
approach for solving this problem by using the response surface method as an
approximate model rather than the computationally expensive one. Then numerical
optimization can be conducted at an affordable computational cost. Finally, only one
simulation analysis is conducted using the initial finite element model to verify the
optimum design achieved from numerical optimization. The proposed approach has
been successfully applied to the problem of designing a thin walled tube under
impact loading which suggests that this approach can be used for solving design
optimization problems of other complex structures.