On structural optimization of flexible multibody systems

This work aims to provide methods for the structural optimization of flexible multibody systems. Due to their importance for practical applications the focus is on shape optimization using the absolute nodal coordinate formulation and topology optimization using the floating frame of reference approach. In both cases, the potential of functional objective functions and equivalent static loads is investigated and compared. Therefore, first-order sensitivity analyses for the different types of objective functions are derived and discussed in detail. Moreover, the issue of arising spurious modes and their treatment in the topology optimization of flexible multibody system is addressed.