Weight reduction of automobile components has been sought to achieve fuel efficiency and energy conservation. There are two approaches for weight reduction: use of materials lighter than steel and structural redesign. The latter has been performed by adopting hydroforming, tailor-welded blank (TWB) technology, optimization, etc. In this research, the kriging interpolation method and a simulated annealing algorithm are applied in the design of a front door made by TWB technology. The design variables were the thicknesses of the parts and the positions of the parting lines. A thickness set, considered as a candidate design of each part, is not arbitrarily determined, but selected from the thicknesses of standard products, and so it is a discrete set. This research presents the discrete and continuous structural optimization of an automotive door design.

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