Shape optimization for general two-dimensional structures

The growth-strain method was used for general two-dimensional shape optimization. It was verified in previous papers that the growth-strain method is very effective for shape optimization of structures with only one free surface to be deformed. But it could not provide reasonable optimized shapes for structures with two or more free surfaces such as structures with holes inside. Problems occurred, as the growth-strain method was applied to structures with two or more free surfaces. Then, an improved method was suggested. Finally, an automatic shape optimization system was built by the improved growth-strain method with commercial software using the finite element method. The effectiveness and practicability of the developed shape optimization system was verified by some examples.