Topology design of truss structures

Abstract

Topology optimization of trusses in the form of grid-like continua is a classical subject in structural design. The study of fundamental properties of optimal grid like continua was pioneered by Michell, 1904, but this interesting field has only much later developed into what is now the well-established lay-out theory for frames and flexural systems [3], [8], [16]. The application of numerical methods to discrete truss topology problems and similar structural systems, which is the subject of this chapter, has a shorter history with early contributions in, for example, Dorn, Gomory and Greenberg, 1964 and Fleron, 1964 (see also [26]). The development of computationally efficient methods is not only of great importance for the truss topology problem in itself. It is likewise of interest for solving the reduced problems which arise in the study of simultaneous design of material and structure, as described in chapter 3.