1. Fundamental concepts and philosophical framework / Lucien A. Schmit-- 2. Unconstrained minimization - sampling methods / Richard L. Fox.-- 3. Unconstrained minimization - gradient methods / Richard L. Fox.-- 4. Sequence of unconstrained minimization techniques / Richard L. Fox. -- 5. Integrally stiffened cylindrical shell examples / Lucien A. Schmit. -- 6. Ablating thermostructural panel example / Lucien A Schmit. -- 7. Methods of feasible directions / Richard L. Fox. -- 8. Applications of linear programming / Richard L. Fox. -- 9. Structural synthesis based on finite element analysis / Lucien A. Schmit.-- 10. Structural synthesis in the dynamic response regime / Richard L. Fox -- 11. Literature review and assessment / Lucien A. Schmit