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Structural Synthesis by Method of Centers in Force Formulation under Size and Stress Constraints

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 September 2011

B. Farshi  and
A. Alinia-ziazi
B. Farshi*
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran 16846, Iran
A. Alinia-ziazi*
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran 16846, Iran
*
* Associate Professor, corresponding author
** Graduate student
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Abstract

This paper studies a novel approach to optimize trusses and truss-like structures for minimum weight design. It is based on the force method of analysis which is incorporated inside the optimization routine. The design variables in force formulation are the member cross sectional areas and the redundant forces in each load condition. The optimization method used is the method of center points using the inscribed hyperspheres to the feasible-usable design space. By incorporating the analysis step as part of the optimization problem, a separate structural solution phase, which is necessary in all other methods, is avoided resulting in large computational savings. In this article the simplest form of structures i.e. trusses are treated to illustrate the efficacy of the method. Stress limits on the members as well as limitations on their sizes, and linking among them, under several load conditions have been considered. Combination of the method of center points and force formulation results in a viable routine for structural optimization. Comparison of the example results with those obtained by others clearly shows the effectiveness and novelty of the proposed method.

Keywords

Force methodCenter pointsTrussesMinimum weightOptimization
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Mechanics , Volume 26 , Issue 4 , December 2010 , pp. 513 - 524
Copyright
Copyright © The Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, R.O.C. 2010

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