Optimization of structures in frictional contact

This paper describes a new approach to optimization of linear elastic structures in frictional contact. It uses a novel method to determine an, in a specified sense, likely equilibrium state of the structure, using only the static equilibrium conditions. That is, no complex dynamic/quasi-static analyses have to be performed. The approach has the advantage that it is not necessary to know the complete load history, which is most often unknown for practical problems. To illustrate the theory, numerical results are given for the optimal design problem of sizing a truss to attain a more uniform normal contact force distribution.