Development of a non-uniform cellular automata framework for sizing, topology and layout optimization of truss structures

Abstract

This article presents a bi-level non-uniform cellular automata (CA) algorithm for the solution of sizing, topology and layout optimization of truss structures. The non-uniform CA was successfully used in a previous study to solve the weight optimization problem of truss structures for topology and sizing (El Bouzouiki, Sedaghati, and Stiharu 2021. Computers & Structures 242: 106394). In this article, an extended version of the non-uniform CA algorithm is proposed, based on the fully stressed design approach and the distribution of strain energy within the structure, to find the optimal position of the cell’s (joint’s) coordinates. The proposed non-uniform CA algorithm can solve the minimum weight optimization problem of truss structures subjected to both stress and displacement constraints. Several benchmark problems are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed methodology.

KEYWORDS:

• Cellular automata
• sizing
• topology and layout optimization
• truss structures

Acknowledgement

Partial support for this study from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada is gratefully acknowledged.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

All relevant data supporting the findings of this study are included in the article.

Additional information

Funding

The study was partly supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada [grant number RGPIN-2021-03482].