Configuration Optimization of Truss Structures Using Harmony Search Heuristic Algorithm

Abstract

Most structural optimization methods are based on mathematical algorithms that require substantial gradient information. The selection of the starting values is also important to ensure that the algorithm converges to the global optimum. This paper describes a new structural configuration optimization method based on the harmony search (HS) meta-heuristic algorithm. The HS algorithm does not require initial values and uses a random search instead of a gradient search, so derivative information is unnecessary. A benchmark truss example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach compared to other optimization methods. Results reveal that the proposed approach is capable of solving configuration optimization problems, and may yield better solutions than those obtained using earlier methods.