Design optimization for truss structures under elasto-plastic loading condition

Abstract

In this paper, a method for the design optimization of elasto-plastic truss structures is proposed based on parametric variational principles (PVPs). The optimization aims to find the minimum weight/volume solution under the constraints of allowable node displacements. The design optimization is a formulation of mathematical programming with equilibrium constraints (MPECs). To overcome the numerical difficulties of the complementary constraints in optimization, an iteration process, comprising a quadratic programming (QP) and an updating process, is employed as the optimization method. Furthermore, the elasto-plastic buckling of truss members is considered as a constraint in design optimization. A combinational optimization strategy is proposed for the displacement constraints and the buckling constraint, which comprises the method mentioned above and an optimal criterion. Three numerical examples are presented to show the validity of the methods proposed. © 2006 The Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics.