Truss structural configuration optimization using the linear extended interior penalty function method

Abstract

Performing structural optimization by involving its configuration as design variables offers more flexibility in the final design and also expands the design space. We describe a method of determining the optimal configuration of a structure. The design variables used are the location of the structural joints and the cross sectional area of the members. Strength and displacement are formulated as the design constraints, whereas the weight of structure is used as the objective function. The Linear Extended Interior Penalty Function method minimizes the weight of the structure. Finite Element Analysis, together with an approximation procedure, obtains the structural response. Both three-bar and nine-bar truss structures are used as case studies. Results show that the truss configuration can be optimized using our procedure.