Optimized hole shapes in a tall beam

This paper follows a recent paper in EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS also dealing with optimization. The objectives besides the attempt at optimizations of the design of in-plane loaded tall beams are (1) to discuss the properties of some of the designs obtained, and (2) to compare and evaluate experimental and numerical methods. The optimal hole shape introduced in the beam decreases its weight, has an approximately uniform tangenital stress along its boundary and does not increase the maximum tensile stress present originally in the solid beam. The numerical method used is based on finite-element analysis and nonlinear programming. The experimental method is based on photoelasticity. Emphasis is placed on the results obtained rather than on the description of the methodologies. Practical difficulties, assumptions, accuracy, and the applicability of the two methods are also discussed.