Truss Design Optimization Based on Generative Algorithms

Supplementary material for a WCSMO publication regarding truss design optimization.

Here a specific generative algorithm, known as cellular division or an L-system, is used as an abstraction layer between a genetic algorithm genotype and phenotype. This approach is applied to the design of a structural truss. For each given truss topology, the optimal size problem is solved using sequential linear programming based on a finite element analysis model. Advantages include the ability to explore trusses with a variety of dimensions using a fixed-dimension genotype, and the automatic generation of designs that satisfy truss stability requirements.

The code is supplementary material for the following publication:

James T. Allison, Ashish Khetan, Danny Lohan. 'Managing Variable-Dimension Structural Optimization Problems using Generative Algorithms.' In the Proceedings of the 10th World Congress on Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization. May 19–May 24 2013.

which can be obtained by going to:

http://systemdesign.illinois.edu/publications/All13c.pdf

Please see the readme file for usage details.