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A new implementation of the programming system for structural synthesis (PROSSS-2)This new implementation of the PROgramming System for Structural Synthesis (PROSSS-2) combines a general-purpose finite element computer program for structural analysis, a state-of-the-art optimization program, and several user-supplied, problem-dependent computer programs. The results are flexibility of the optimization procedure, organization, and versatility of the formulation of constraints and design variables. The analysis-optimization process results in a minimized objective function, typically the mass. The analysis and optimization programs are executed repeatedly by looping through the system until the process is stopped by a user-defined termination criterion. However, some of the analysis, such as model definition, need only be one time and the results are saved for future use. The user must write some small, simple FORTRAN programs to interface between the analysis and optimization programs. One of these programs, the front processor, converts the design variables output from the optimizer into the suitable format for input into the analyzer. Another, the end processor, retrieves the behavior variables and, optionally, their gradients from the analysis program and evaluates the objective function and constraints and optionally their gradients. These quantities are output in a format suitable for input into the optimizer. These user-supplied programs are problem-dependent because they depend primarily upon which finite elements are being used in the model. PROSSS-2 differs from the original PROSSS in that the optimizer and front and end processors have been integrated into the finite element computer program. This was done to reduce the complexity and increase portability of the system, and to take advantage of the data handling features found in the finite element program.
Document ID
19870008897
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Rogers, James L., Jr. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 5, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1984
Subject Category
Computer Programming And Software
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-86326
NAS 1.15:86326
Report Number: NASA-TM-86326
Report Number: NAS 1.15:86326
Accession Number
87N18330
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 505-33-53-12
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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