Content area
A study is made to integrate finite element-based-optimal structural design methods and computer-science methods into a computer-based system containing a database, a program library and man-machine communication link. Emphasis is placed upon database management concepts for structural design. Important components required to build a computer-aided structural design system are described. A number of database management concepts--hierarchical, network and relational data models, conceptual, internal and external view of data organization, normalization of data, and global and local database are discussed with reference to structural design data. A methodology to design a database is proposed. Three levels of data organization-conceptual, internal and external are suggested. A methodology to construct a numerical data model is described. This model supports data of various types of large matrices such as banded, skyline and hypermatrices. Requirements of database management system and components needed to develop it are discussed. Language requirements to enable good communication link between designer and computer are formulated. A database management system--MIDAS is implemented for use in structural design applications. MIDAS supports both relational and numerical data models. It can be used either through application program calls or interactively. A database for structural design optimization is designed using the proposed methodology. A computer program for finite element analysis and structural design optimization is developed. The program uses database and the database management system MIDAS. The program is based on hypermatrix approach for assembly and solution of large matrix equations. Several example problems are solved using the program. An evaluation of data model, database and database management system in computer-aided structural design optimization environment is made. The performance of MIDAS in equation solving environment is determined using skyline and hypermatrix approach. Finally, it is concluded that with the proposed data models, database design methodology, and the advanced database management system, computer-aided design optimization of complex structural systems can be attempted.