Design method for three-dimensional reinforcement partially considering the correlation between layout and cross-sectional shape

In this paper, we describe a methodology for three-dimensional structural design for reinforcement that determines both layout and cross-sectional shape. Considering the difference in scale between the design variables for the layout design and those for the design of a cross-sectional shape, we separate the design problem into two sub-problems. One can be called a macroscopic design problem, and the other a microscopic one. The proposed design method takes the correlation between the sub-problems partially into account by using a new parameter to construct a feedback loop. The effectiveness of this method has been proved through simple numerical examples.