Selection of an optimization model in optimal design of ribbed cylindrical shells

Two stages precede the solution to optimal design problems. A mathematical model for the structure optimization which shows the heart of the problem is selected at the first stage, its numerical implementation is performed at the second stage. As the selection of mathematical model is very important for the solution to an optimal design problem to achieve the global structure optimum, an attempt has been made in this paper to analyze the use of some new mathematical models. Optimization of the supported cylindrical shells subjected to a stochastic load has been shown as an example. A numerical example is given to show the application of the most adequate, in our opinion, mathematical model.