Effects of shape optimization on the 10 bar truss example

Abstract

This research focuses on determining the effects of structural optimization on 10 bar trusses. Structural optimization is one in Rhino 6, using GA optimization. Shape optimization was done to find savings in used material in relation to total element lengths. The new optimized structure which meets all constraint criteria has different element lengths to the initial design. Optimal values are compared to initial values showing that the total length of elements can be decreased by roughly 28%. By individually observing elements it is possible to see that some elements are now longer and some shorter than in the initial model, but the overall length is decreased. This shows significant savings which are possible through shape optimization, as well as the significance of the entire process.