Sizing and Geometry Optimization of Pin Connected Structures Via Real Coded Genetic Algorithm (RCGA)
Optimization of sizing and geometry is one of the active areas of research in structural engineering. In sizing optimization of structures the goal is minimizing the weight of the structure while the cross sectional areas of the members are considered as design variables. In this kind of optimization the nodal coordinates and connectivity among different members are considered stable. In the geometry optimization the nodal coordinates are considered as design variables. Simultaneous sizing and geometry optimization are considered in most structural optimization problems. In this article, Real Coded Genetic Algorithm (RCGA) is utilized to optimize sizing and geometry of pin connected structures. Also some schemes and a kind of mutation which is called class mutation are used to increase the efficiency of RCGA (optimum RCGA). In class mutation contrary to multiple mutation, design variables with the same characteristics are classified into one group so there is more handle on the variables during the mutation pprocess. The performance characteristics of above method are investigated by two pin connected structures (18 and 25 bar pin connected structures). Examples show that the proposed method gives better results than some other schemes such as numerical methods and the classical GA.
