Different methods are available for simultaneous optimization of cross-section, topology and geometry of truss structures. Since the search space for this problem is very large, the probability of falling in local optimum is considerably high. On the other hand, different types of design variables (continuous and discrete) lead to some difficulties in the process of optimization. In this articl...

A geometry-based rigorous approach to the detection of global and internal mobility of skeletal structures (trusses and frames) is presented. The method is useful for automated design of skeletal structures at the conceptual stage where the overall topology of the structure is known, but no exact detail on geometry and size is available. Such topologies are, for example, those generated by inte...

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 ...

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...

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...

The paper presents a methodology to arrive at optimal truss designs using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithms. Ant Colony Optimization is a population-based, artificial multi-agent, general-search technique for the solution of difficult combinatorial problems with its theoretical roots based on the behavior of real ant colonies and the collective trail-laying and trail-following of its mem...

The main goal of the structural optimization is to minimize the weight of structure or the vertical deflection of loaded joint while satisfying all design requirements imposed by design codes. In general fuzzy sets are used to analyze the fuzzy structural optimization. In this paper, a planer truss structural model in intuitionistic fuzzy environment has been developed. This paper proposes an i...

In this paper, MATLAB code for a recently developed meta-heuristic methodology, the vibrating particles system (VPS) algorithm, is presented. The VPS is a population-based algorithm which simulates a free vibration of single degree of freedom systems with viscous damping. The particles gradually approach to their equilibrium positions that are achieved from current population and historically b...

Abstract In this paper we focus on the adaptation to topology optimization of a previous variance-expected compliance applied to truss design. The principal objective of such a model is to find robust structures for a given main load and its perturbations. In particular we are interested in avoiding high compliance values in cases of important perturbations. In the first part, we recall the var...

1. Abstract Use of decomposition-based design optimization methods requires a priori selection of system partitioning and of the corresponding coordination strategy. Typically, partitioning systems into smaller, easier to solve subproblems leads to more complicated, computationally expensive coordination strategies. Previous optimal partitioning techniques have not addressed the coordination is...