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151-3210-00L 4 Credits DR , MSC D-MATL , D-MAVT
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Structural Optimization

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Tino Stankovic
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:22:29

Abstract

The course covers fundamentals of structural optimization in terms of the optimal design of topology, shape, size and material for discrete and continuous representations of structures. It develops skills to formally state and model structural design tasks as optimization problems and select appropriate methods to solve them.

Objective

The course covers fundamentals of structural optimization in terms of the optimal design of topology, shape, size and material for discrete and continuous representations of structures. After taking the course students will be able to express structural design problems as formal optimization problems. Students will also be able to select and apply a suitable optimization method given the nature of the optimization model. They will understand the foundations of the state-of-the art structural optimization methods in order to design more efficient and performance optimized technical products. The exercises are MATLAB based.

Content

- Topology optimization of truss structures - Topology optimization by distribution of isotropic material - Structural optimization for additive manufacture

Resources

Lecture Notes

Available on Moodle.

Literature

Suggested literature: Haftka, R. T., & Gürdal, Z. (2012). Elements of structural optimization (Vol. 11). Springer Science & Business Media. Bendsøe, M. P., & Sigmund, O. (2004). Optimization of structural topology, shape, and material (Vol. 414). Berlin etc: Springer.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
One A4 sheet of handwritten notes allowed per each student.
Digital
The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.

Registration & Places

Max Places
45

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Structural Optimization
  • Wed 08:15-12:00 (ML F 34)
4 h weekly

Offered In