Structural optimization of shape adaptive structures

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Kai-Uwe Bletzinger
• Subject Area: Structural Engineering, Building Informatics and Construction Operation
• Term: from 2010 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 189566908

In the second phase of the project "structural optimization of shape adaptive structures" the methods which were developed in the first project phase should be applied to more complex structures. While in the first phase the general kinematic behavior of shell structures was in focus, we want to investigate structures with several shapes of self-equilibrium in this project phase. As these structures are usually characterized by a highly nonlinear structural behavior, the numerical methods of optimization have to be combined with those of the path following strategies known from nonlinear structural analysis. The use of this kind of structures in the field of adaptive structures looks very promising, as the exploitation of several shapes of self-equilibrium reduces the energy consumption to the change in between these shapes, while the maintaining of the shape is done without any effort, and so the energy consumption of this kind if structures would decrease to a minimum.In another research topic the optimal usage of piezoelectric material in the context of adaptive structures should be discussed. Here the active as well as the passive interaction in between the electric field and the mechanic deformation has to be considered.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants