Topology optimization of multi-purpose structures

Whilst most of the literature on topology optimization of structures deals with so-called selfadjoint problems involving highly idealized, single-purpose structures, this paper discusses topology optimization of multi-purpose structures which concerns “nonselfadjoint” problems. General methods based on the so-called “layout theory”, application to trusses and perforated plates and computational difficulties are discussed. Copyright Physica-Verlag 1998