Weight minimization of truss structures with sizing and layout variables using integrated particle swarm optimizer

Abstract

This study investigates the performances of the integrated particle swarm optimizer (iPSO) algorithm in the layout and sizing optimization of truss structures. The iPSO enhances the standard PSO algorithm employing both the concept of weighted particle and the improved fly-back method to handle optimization constraints. The performance of the recent algorithm is tested on a series of well-known truss structures weight minimization problems including mixed design search spaces (i.e. with both discrete and continuous variables) over various types of constraints (i.e. nodal dis­placements, element stresses and buckling criterion). The results demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach in dealing with combined layout and size optimization problems.

Keyword : particle swarm optimizer, combined sizing/layout optimization, trusses, structural optimization