| Article ID: | iaor20123797 |
| Volume: | 45 |
| Issue: | 5 |
| Start Page Number: | 729 |
| End Page Number: | 737 |
| Publication Date: | May 2012 |
| Journal: | Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization |
| Authors: | Kruzelecki Jacek, Ortwein Rafal |
| Keywords: | engineering, design |
In this paper the problem of the optimal design of columns under combined compression and torsion is investigated. A cross‐sectional area varying along the axis of the column which leads to the maximal critical loading is sought. The varying cross‐section is approximated either by a function with free parameters or is determined using Pontriagin’s maximum principle.