The main objective of structural engineers through out design history has been to obtain the optimum structure under the prescribed design conditions which can not only withstand external loads safely but also achieve an economic solution. The paper focuses on the use of the fuzzy set theory to optimum design of plane truss structures. The approach is illustrated on planar truss optimization pr...

Metallic sandwich panels with periodic, open-cell cores are important new structures, enabled by novel fabrication and topology design tools. Fabrication protocols based on the sheet forming of trusses and shell elements (egg-boxes) as well as textile assembly have allowed the manufacture of robust structures by inexpensive routes. Topology optimization enables control of failure mechanisms at ...

This paper shows the complementary roles of mathematical and engineering points of view when dealing with truss analysis problems involving systems of linear equations and inequalities. After the compatibility condition and the mathematical structure of the general solution of a system of linear equations is discussed, the truss analysis problem is used to illustrate its mathematical and engine...

Truss structures are widely used for the support of structural loads in applications where minimum mass solutions are required. Their nodes are normally constructed to resist rotation to maximize their stiffness under load. A multi-link node concept has recently been proposed that permits independent rotation of tetrahedral trusses linked by such a joint. High authority shape morphing truss str...

A class of planar, pin-jointed truss structures based on the ancient Kagome basket weave pattern with exceptional characteristics for actuation has been identified. Its in-plane stiffness is isotropic and has optimal weight among planar trusses for specified stiffness or strength. The version with welded joints resists plastic yielding and buckling, while storing minimal energy upon truss bendi...

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 w...

An optimization protocol for a high authority shape morphing plate is described. The shape morphing design incorporates an active back-plane comprising a Kagome truss, capable of changing the shape of a solid face, connected to the back-plane by means of a tetrahedral truss core. Several members of the Kagome truss are replaced by actuators, enabling the structure to deform. The trusses to be r...

Neural network-based adaptive control is considered for active control of a highly flexible truss structure which may be used to support solar sail membranes. The objective is to suppress unwanted vibrations in SAFE (Solar Array Flight Experiment) boom_ a test-bed located at NASA. Compared to previous tests that restrained truss structures in planar motion, full three dimensional motions are te...

This paper presents an analytical method for analyzing trusses with severe geometrically nonlinear behavior. The main objective is to find analytical solutions for trusses with different axial forces in the bars. The methodology is based on truss kinematics, elastic constitutive laws and equilibrium of nodal forces. The proposed formulation can be applied to hyper elastic materials, such as rub...

The performance characteristics of a truss core sandwich panel design based on the 3D Kagom e has been measured and compared with earlier simulations. Panels have been fabricated by investment casting and tested in compression, shear and bending. The isotropic nature of this core design has been confirmed. The superior performance relative to truss designs based on the tetrahedron has been demo...