There exist three different lines of computational form finding methods:(i) simulation of hanging models, (ii) numerical simulation of soap films,and (iii) structural shape optimization. The aim of the present paper isto show their differences and common aspects when applied to the specialtask of maximizing stiffness. The inverse problem of simulation of soapfilms is formulated in more detail on the basis of differential geometry.The effect of internal pressure is discussed. Several illustrative examplesare given.     «

There exist three different lines of computational form finding methods:(i) simulation of hanging models, (ii) numerical simulation of soap films,and (iii) structural shape optimization. The aim of the present paper isto show their differences and common aspects when applied to the specialtask of maximizing stiffness. The inverse problem of simulation of soapfilms is formulated in more detail on the basis of differential geometry.The effect of internal pressure is discussed. Several illustrative...     »