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...

Shape and layout optimization represent some of the most useful but also most difficult classes of problems in structural design, which have been investigated in detail only during the last few years. Shape optimization is concerned with the optimal shape of boundaries of continua or of interfaces between two materials in composites. Layout optimization deals with the simultaneous optimization of the topology, geometry and cross-sectional sizes of structural systems. In spite of its complextiy, layout optimization is a very rewarding task, because it results in much...