An evolutionary structural optimization method for sizing problems with discrete design variables
This paper presents a simple evolutionary method for minimizing the weight of structures subject to displacement constraints, where sizing design variables are discrete. Sensitivity numbers for element size reduction are derived using optimality criteria methods. An optimal design can be obtained by gradually reducing elements which have the lowest sensitivity numbers until one of the constrained displacements reaches its given limit. It is shown that the proposed method can directly deal with discrete design variables. A simple smoothing technique is employed to suppress formation of checker-board patterns. Examples are provided to demonstrate the capability of the proposed method for discrete sizing optimization problems.
structural optimization evolutionary method displacement constraints checker-board patterns discrete sizing variables