Optimal Lightweight Construction Principles

This book presents simple design paradigms related to lightweight design, that are derived from an in-depth and theoretically sound analysis based on Pareto theory. It uses numerous examples, including torsion and inflated tubes, to fully explain the theories discussed.

Lightweight Construction Principles begins by defining terms in relation to engineering design and optimal design of complex mechanical systems. It then discusses the analytical derivation of the Pareto-optimal set, before applying analytical formulae to optimal design of bent beams. The book moves through numerous case studies of different beam and tube construction including beams subject to bending, thin walled tubes under torsion and truss structures.

This book will be of interest to researchers and graduate students in the field of structural optimisation and multi-objective optimization, as well as to practitioners such as design engineers.

Dr Federico Ballo gained his MSc and PhD degrees from Politecnico di Milano in 2011 and 2015 respectively. He also worked here as a research fellow, in the department of Mechanical Engineering. His research interests include multi-objective optimisation of complex systems, the study and application of structural optimisation techniques and modelling and numerical simulation of mechanical systems and components. He is co-author of more than 30 contributions on international journals and national and international conferences.

Professor Massimiliano Gobbi gained his masters and PhD degrees in 1994 and 1998 respectively, both from the Politecnico di Milano. He was a full-time visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkley, before being appointed as associate professor at Politecnico di Milano in 2002, where he is now a full professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He is a co-founder of SmartMechanical, and has published more than 180 technical papers, 7 international patents and two books.

Professor Gianpiero Mastinu is a full professor of Vehicle System Engineering at the Politecnico di Milano. He gained his PhD in 1989 from Politecnico di Milano, before being appointed as professor at TU Delft in 2000. He is the author of over 200 journal articles and two books. He is a member of numerous professional organisations, including being on the committee of conferences, and a member of the EAG of the FIA. His research interests include conceptual, functional and structural design, modelling and simulation of machines, and experimental mechanics.

Professor Giorgio Previati received his MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano in 2002, and his PhD from the same institution in 2006. He worked in the research and development department of SAME-DEUTZ-FAHR, before returning to Politecnico di Milano in 2008 as an assistant professor, where he is now an associate professor. His researchis primarily focused on the design and optimization of complex mechanical systems, particularly road vehicles and their subsystems, as well as the numerical simulation of the mechanical behaviour of rubber like materials. His is the author of around 80 scientific papers.