Influence of the finite element discretization error over the convergence of structural shape optimization algorithms

This work analyzes the influence of the discretization error contained in the finite element (FE) analyses of each design configuration proposed by structural shape optimization algorithms over the behavior of the algorithm. If the FE analyses are not accurate enough, the final solution will neither be optimal nor satisfy the constraints. The need for the use of adaptive FE analysis techniques in shape optimum design will be shown. The paper also proposes the use of the algorithm described in the previous study conducted in order to reduce the computational cost associated to the adaptive FE analysis of each geometrical configuration when evolutive optimization algorithms are used.