Structural optimization by methods of feasible directions

Abstract

A general design algorithm based on methods of feasible directions is presented. Zoutendijk's method of feasible directions is first presented as applied to structural design. This method is modified to improve numerical stability of the design process and is then further modified to deal efficiently with infeasible designs. The algorithm requires the analytic gradient of the objective function and the constraint functions which are active at a given stage in the design process. Gradient information is not required for nonactive constraints. Complex constraint functions may be ignored in the initial design stages because violation of these constraints is efficiently overcome later in the design process. The algorithm is demonstrated with elastic design of redundant trusses.