Enhanced growth method for topology and geometry optimization of truss structures

In this paper, we present an enhanced growth method based on virtual displacements and strains fields for generating optimal design in terms of topology and geometry of plane trusses without the need of a generation of so-called ground structure. The method has been applied to the single load case problem with stress and size constraints in plastic design. In order to demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of the proposed method, three examples are carried out: Hemp cantilever, Chan cantilever and McConnel structure.

Automated summary

This paper presents an enhanced growth method for optimal design of plane trusses without the need for a ground structure, using virtual displacements and strains fields. The method has been applied to plastic design with stress and size constraints, and demonstrated reliability and accuracy through three examples.