Topology optimization of structures and composite materials is a new and rapidly expanding field of mechanics which now plays an ever-increasing role in most branches of technology, such as aerospace, mechanical, structural, civil and ma- terials engineering, with important implications for energy production as well as building and environmental sciences. It is a truly "high-tech" field which requires advanced computer facilities and computational methods, whilst involving unusual theoretical considerations in pure mathematics. Topology optimization deals with some of the most difficult problems of mechanical sciences, but it is also of consid- erable practical interest because it can achieve much greater savings than conven- tional (sizing or shape) optimization. Extensive research into topology optimization is being carried out in most of the developed countries of the world. The workshop addressed the state of the art of the field, bringing together re- searchers from a diversity of backgrounds (mathematicians, information scientists, aerospace, automotive, mechanical, structural and civil engineers) to span the full breadth and depth of the field and to outline future developments in research and avenues of cooperation between NATO and Partner countries. The program cov- ered - theoretical (mathematical) developments, - computer algorithms, software development and computational difficulties, and - practical applications in various fields of technology. A novel feature of the workshop was that, in addition to shorter discussions after each lecture, a 30 minutes panel discussion took place in each sesssion, which made this ARW highly interactive and more informal.

Pr�sentation de l'�diteur

Topology optimization of structures and composite materials is a new and rapidly expanding field of mechanics which is now coming to play a major role in most branches of engineering, such as aerospace, mechanical, structural, civil and materials. There are also significant implications for energy production and the building and material sciences. It a truly `high-tech' field, requiring advanced computer facilities and computational methods, while involving unusual theoretical considerations in pure mathematics. Topology optimization deals with some of the most intractable problems in the mechanical sciences, but is also of considerable practical interest in that it can achieve far greater savings than conventional (sizing or shape) optimization. Extensive research into topology optimization is being conducted in most developed countries.
The present book describes the state of the art, bringing together researchers from a diversity of backgrounds: mathematicians, information scientists, aerospace, automotive, mechanical, structural and civil engineers.

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