Global optimization of structural systems using two new methods

Abstract

Two new methods for finding global minimum points are applied to several truss and frame structural design problems. Basic ideas and procedures of the methods are explained. One of the methods finds many local minimum solutions while the second method is concerned mainly with finding only the global solution (however, it may find other local minima as well). A set of twenty-eight structural design test problems is devised by using two materials (steel and aluminium) and three cross-sectional shapes. The problems are solved with the two methods, and the results are analysed. Comparisons are made for the results with the truss and frame model for the same structure, use of steel or aluminium as the construction material, and use of different cross-sectional shapes. It is shown that many structural optimization problems possess several local minima, and so the global optimization methods can be useful for their solution. However, the computational effort to find a global solution can be substantial because many local minimizations must be performed. It is concluded that both the methods are useful for finding global minimum solutions for structural optimization problems.