This thesis investigates how shape optimization can be applied to structural parts defined by B-Splines or Catmull-Clark subdivision surfaces. Properties of both geometry descriptions as well as peculiarities are illustrated. Given a non-parametric sensitivity-based shape optimizer, which operates with adjoint sensitivity analysis, a way to map finite element sensitivities to sensitivities of the control points specifying the geometry is developed and verified. Finally a sensitivity-based version of TOSCA.shape by FE-Design (Dassault Systemès) with the integrated Method of Moving Asymptotes1 algorithm is used to solve the optimization task now transferred to CAD space. Problems and possible remedies are highlighted and optimization results of different examples are shown and discussed.     «

This thesis investigates how shape optimization can be applied to structural parts defined by B-Splines or Catmull-Clark subdivision surfaces. Properties of both geometry descriptions as well as peculiarities are illustrated. Given a non-parametric sensitivity-based shape optimizer, which operates with adjoint sensitivity analysis, a way to map finite element sensitivities to sensitivities of the control points specifying the geometry is developed and verified. Finally a sensitivity-based versio...     »