Optimization of structures with static and thermal loads

Structures often have thermal loads that must be determined by solution of the steady state heat transfer problem. Once the heat transfer problem is solved the thermal loads and thermal stresses can be determined. In structural optimization, as the size and shape of the structure changes, both the thermal stresses and the thermal loads that caused these stresses change. Therefore, coupling exists between the steady state heat transfer problem and the static stress analysis problem. This coupling must be taken into account in the optimization process. This work presents a method for capturing this coupling. Examples of the optimization of structures using this method are presented.