Scientific paper ID 344 : 2009/2

The paper presents the methods of solving optimization problems for some elements of manufacturing structures. The target function examined is: steady-state displacement and stresses, amplitudes of the dynamic displacement and stresses, functions of natural frequencies and forms of the oscillations. The form of structure element has been varied within given limits given. To calculate the target functions, the finite element method has been used. A method to calculate the gradient is suggested. The capabilities of the software package to solve optimization problems are demonstrated.