Generating optimal configurations in structural design using simulated annealing

This paper presents a combinatorial optimization procedure based on the simulated annealing approach for generation of optimal configuration of structural members. The work is based on altering the finite element model of structure by removing or restoring elements to minimize the material use subject to constraints on maximum stress value and maintenance of connectivity between elements. Such an optimization problem is categorized as a large-scale, non-convex and non-linear problem. Thus, the problem can have multi-minima and it is important to find the global optimum solution as opposed to a local minimization. To improve the computational efficiency, the non-linear shape optimization problem has been linearized and to account for the difference between the non-linear and the linearized values a correction factor is implemented. To illustrate the approach, several design examples are presented and the effect of the parameter of the simulated annealing on the final configuration design is examined.