Size, Layout, and Topology Optimization of Skeletal Structures Using Plasma Generation Optimization

Abstract

In this paper, plasma generation optimization (PGO) as a newly developed physics-based metaheuristic algorithm is applied to perform the size, layout, and topology optimization problems of skeletal structures. PGO is a population-based optimizer inspired by the process of plasma generation. In this optimization method, each agent is modeled as an electron. The movement of electrons and changing their energy level are performed based on simulating the process of excitation, de-excitation, and ionization. These processes occur iteratively through the plasma generation. Evaluating the robustness and performance of the PGO is illustrated through six design examples for different types of structural optimization. The results reveal that the PGO algorithm outperforms other state-of-the-art optimization techniques considered from the literature.