Large Scale Structural Optimization With Linear Goal Programming

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a method for solving large scale structural optimization problems using linear goal programming techniques. The method can be used as a multicriteria optimization tool since goal programming removes the difficulty of having to define an objective function and constraints. It also has the capacity of handling rank ordered design objectives or goals. The method uses finite element analysis, linear goal programming techniques and successive linearization to obtain the solution for the nonlinear goal optimization problems. The general formulation of the structural optimization problem into a nonlinear goal programming form is presented. The successive linearization method for the nonlinear goal optimization problem is discussed. To demonstrate the validity of the method, as a design tool, the solution of the minimum weight structural optimization problem with stress constraints for 10, 25 and 200 truss problems are included.