Sizing, shape and topology optimization of trusses with energy approach

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to present the procedures of combining topology, shape & sizing optimization for truss structure by employing strain energy as objective function under the constraints of volume fractions which yield more general solution than that of total weight approach. Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used as searching engine for the convergence solution. A number of algorithms from previous research are used for evaluating the feasibility and stability of candidate to accelerate convergence and reduce the computational effort. It is followed by solving problem for topology & shape optimization and topology, shape & sizing optimization of truss structure to illustrate the feasibility of applying the objective function of strain energy throughout optimization stages.