Geometrically Nonlinear Analysis of Trusses Using Particle Swarm Optimization

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is a heuristic optimization technique based on colony intelligence, developed through inspiration from social behaviors of bird flocks and fish schools. It is widely used in problems in which the optimal value of an objective function is searched. Geometrically nonlinear analysis of trusses is a problem of this kind. The deflected shape of the truss where potential energy value is minimal is known to correspond to the stable equilibrium position of the system analyzed. The objective of this study is to explore the success of PSO using this minimum total potential energy principle, in finding good solutions to geometrically nonlinear truss problems. For this purpose analyses are conducted on three structures, two plane trusses and a space truss. The results obtained show that in case of using 20 or more particles, PSO produces very good and robust solutions.