Structural optimization, a broad interdisciplinary field, requires skillful combining of mathematical and mechanical knowledge with engineering. It is both intellectually attractive and technologically rewarding. The Symposium on Optimization in Structural Design was the second IUTAM Symposium in Poland. Fifteen years have elapsed since the Symposium on Nonhomogeneity in Elasticity and Plasticity, presided by Professor Olszak, was held in Warsaw. These fifteen years mean a lot for mechanics in Poland. Continuing the tradition of Professor Maksymilian Tytus Huber's research, considerable development of the mechanical sciences has been achieved in this country mostly due to the knowledge, vision and persistence of Professors Wit old Nowacki and Waclaw Olszak, eminent Members of our Academy. The Institute of Fundamental Technological Research was established, competent research groups grew, matured and contri­ buted to thermo-elasticity, plasticity, general theory of constitutive equations, and to structural mechanics-just to mention a few do­ mains. Mechanics is now penetrating into the technology of this country at an accelerating pace. The optimization in mechanics has a tradition in Poland. In 1936 Professor Zbigniew Wasiutynski formulated the optimality criterion for mean stiffness design using an elastic energy concept. Further work in this field has been done since, mostly in the last ten years. On behalf of the Committee for Mechanics of the Polish Academy of Sciences I wish to thank the IUTA1V[ Bureau for the decision to hold in Warsaw the Symposium the present volume contains the contribu­ tions to.

Welcome Address.- Welcome Address.- Session 1. Mathematical Methods.- A Graph Problem of Structural Design.- Applications of Optimal Control Theory to Structural Optimization: Analytical and Numerical Approach.- Interactive and Automated Design of Ship Structures.- On Variational Formulations for Structures Design Problems.- Session 2. Mathematical Methods.- Optimal Control of the Consolidation Process.- On Singularities, Local Optima, and Formation of Stiffeners in Optimal Design of Plates.- A Variational Formulation of the Optimal Plastic Design Problem with Linear and Convex Cost Function.- Session 3. Mathematical Programming.- Game Problems in the Theory of Optimal Design.- Application of Dynamic Programming to Optimization of Structures.- Session 4. Dynamics.- Optimum Design of a Circular Shaft in Forward Precession.- Optimal Design Criteria of Dynamically Loaded Elastic Structures.- Optimal Design for Stability under Dissi-pative, Gyroscopic, or Circulator Loads.- Session 5. Shape Optimisation.- On the Optimum Shape of a Fillet in a Flat Bar with Restrictions.- Optimal Design of Suspension Systems.- On Conservatively Loaded Funicular Arches and their Optimal Design.- Session 6. Shells.- Optimal Design of Shells with Respect to Their Stability.- On the Optimum Shapes of Some Axisym-metric Shells.- Session 7. Panel Discussion "Experience with Optimal Design".- Session 8. Probabilistic Methods.- Cost-Effectiveness of Research in Design under Uncertainty.- Optimal Criteria in Probabilistic Structural Design.- Session 9. Frameworks.- Optimum Plastic Design of Unbraced Frameworks.- Symmetric Plane Frameworks of Least Weight.- Optimum Truss Design Using Approximating Functions.- Session 10. Reinforced Structures.- Optimal Force Transmission by Flexure - The PresentState of Knowledge.- Optimum Design of Fiber Reinforced Shells of Revolution.- Optimal Design of Reinforced Concrete Chimneys.- Session 11. Shakedown Design.- On Optimum Shakedown Design.- Limit Design of Frames for Movable Loads by Linear Programming.- Optimal Design for Cyclic Loading.- Session 12. Mathematical Methods.- Optimality in the Presence of Discreteness and Discontinuity.- On Optimization Theory in Mechanics of Solids.- A Variational Principle, the Finite Element Method, and Optimal Structural Design for Given Deflection.- Session 13. Plastic Structures.- Effect of Shear Forces on Optimal Design of Plastic Beams and Plates.- The Minimum Weight Design of Multi-Story Building Frames Based upon the Axial Force-Bending Moment Interaction Yield Condition.- Post-Yield Behaviour of Optimal Plastic Structures.- Session 14. Plastic Structures.- Shape Optimization of Plastic Structures by Zero-One Programming.- On Optimal Design of Strainhardening Structures.- Session 15. Short Communications.- Some Practical Applications of Structural Optimization.- On Formulation of Optimization Problems in Structural Design.- On Introducing a Concentrated Tangential Force into a Shell.- Optimal Design of Plates Loaded by Two Opposite Sets of Loads.