Simultaneous geometry and cross-section optimization of aluminum trusses

Abstract

Purpose

Trusses constitute a fertile field to demonstrate the application of optimization techniques because of the possibility of several different configurations. Using such techniques allows the search for designs that minimize the use of material to safely comply with the imposed loads. Truss optimization can be classified into three categories: cross-section, shape, and topology. The purpose of this paper is to present a numerical and experimental study developed to minimize the weight of aluminum trusses, taking both the cross-sectional dimensions of the elements and the nodal coordinates as design variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, several numerical computer simulations were performed with an optimization program developed by combining the displacement method and a simulated annealing optimization method. Subsequently, two aluminum trusses were selected and built in order to validate the numerical results obtained.

Findings

Experimental tests verified the excellent performance of the optimized model.

Originality/value

In addition, it was concluded that significant savings could be obtained from the application of the proposed formulation.

Citation

Kripka, M., Pravia, Z.C., Medeiros, G.F. and Dias, M.M. (2016), "Simultaneous geometry and cross-section optimization of aluminum trusses", Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 315-325. https://doi.org/10.1108/MMMS-06-2015-0032