Sizing, geometry and topology optimization of trusses using force method and supervised charged system search

Abstract

In this article, the force method and Charged System Search (CSS) algorithm are used for the analysis and optimal design of truss structures. The CSS algorithm is employed as the optimization tool and the force method is utilized for analysis. In this paper in addition to member's cross sections, redundant forces, geometry and topology variables are considered as the optimization variables. Minimum complementary energy principle is used directly to analyze the structure. In the presented method, redundant forces are calculated by the CSS in order to minimize the energy function. Combination of the CSS and force method leads to an efficient algorithm in comparison to some of the optimization algorithms.