A computational methodology for shape optimization of structures in frictionless contact Original Research Article

This paper presents a computational methodology for shape optimization of structures in frictionless contact, which provides a basis for developing user-friendly and efficient shape optimization software. For evaluation it has been implemented as a subsystem of a general finite element software. The overall design and main principles of operation of this software are outlined. The parts connected to shape optimization are described in more detail. The key building blocks are: analytic sensitivity analysis, an adaptive finite element method, an accurate contact solver, and a sequential convex programing optimization algorithm. Results for three model application examples are presented, in which the contact pressure and the effective stress are optimized.