Engineering with Computers

, Volume 33, Issue 1, pp 95–106 | Cite as

A novel method for prediction of truss geometry from topology optimization

  • A. Mandhyan
  • Gaurav Srivastava
  • S. Krishnamoorthi
Original Article
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

An important task in designing a truss structure is to determine the initial configuration of the truss. In the absence of an efficient optimization technique, the selection of initial geometry is based on a trial and error procedure or standard truss configurations or past experiences. In this work, a fully automated algorithm is proposed which can be used to predict initial truss geometry from the grayscale images obtained from topology optimization of design domain. It predicts the locations of joints and the connectivity of members. It also estimates the approximate cross-sectional areas of the members. The interpreted truss geometry can be modified or directly used for structural analysis and design. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the functioning of the algorithm under various scenarios. The developed algorithm has been implemented as part of a web-based truss design application, previously developed by the same authors.

Keywords

Topology optimization Truss-like structures Grayscale image Optimal truss shape 
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

References

  1. 1.
    Sigmund O, Petersson J (1998) Numerical instabilities in topology optimization: a survey on procedures dealing with checkerboards, mesh-dependencies and local minima. Struct Optim 16:68–75CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  2. 2.
    Kumar A, Gossard D (1996) Synthesis of optimal shape and topology of structures. J Mech Des 118:68–74CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  3. 3.
    Hsu Y-L, Hsu M-S, Chen C-T (2001) Interpreting results from topology optimization using density contours. Comput Struct 79:1049–1058CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  4. 4.
    Youn S-K, Park S-H (1997) A study on the shape extraction process in the structural topology optimization using homogenized material. Comput Struct 62:527–538MathSciNetCrossRefMATHGoogle Scholar
  5. 5.
    Zimmerman RW (1992) Hashin-shtrikman bounds on the poisson ratio of a composite material. Mech Res Commun 19:563–569MathSciNetCrossRefMATHGoogle Scholar
  6. 6.
    Hsu M-H, Hsu Y-L (2005) Interpreting three-dimensional structural topology optimization results. Comput Struct 83:327–337CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  7. 7.
    Hultman M (2010) Weight optimization of steel trusses by a genetic algorithm. Lund University, Department of Structural EngineeringGoogle Scholar
  8. 8.
    Eurocode 3: design of steel structures: part 1–5: plated structural elements, BSI, London, 2010. Incorporating corrigendum April 2009Google Scholar
  9. 9.
    Baldock R, Shea K (2006) Structural topology optimization of braced steel frameworks using genetic programming. In: Intelligent Computing in Engineering and Architecture. Springer, pp 54–61Google Scholar
  10. 10.
    ANSI B (2005) AISC 360-05-specification for structural steel buildings. Chicago AISCGoogle Scholar
  11. 11.
    Kutylowski R, Rasiak B (2009) Local buckling design problem for topology optimized truss girders. PAMM 9:567–568CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  12. 12.
    Barr B (2006) Current and future trends in bridge design. Construction and maintenance. Thomas Telford Ltd, LondonGoogle Scholar
  13. 13.
    Zakhama R, Abdalla M, Gürdal Z, Smaoui H (2007) Wind load effect in topology optimization problems. J Phys Conf Ser 75:012048CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  14. 14.
    Svanberg K (1987) The method of moving asymptotes-a new method for structural optimization. Int J Numer Methods Eng 24:359–373MathSciNetCrossRefMATHGoogle Scholar
  15. 15.
    Liang QQ, Xie YM, Steven GP (2000) Optimal topology design of bracing systems for multistory steel frames. J Struct Eng 126:823–829CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  16. 16.
    Kingman JJ, Tsavdaridis KD, Toropov J (2014) Applications of topology optimization in structural engineering. Jordan J Sci TechnolGoogle Scholar
  17. 17.
    Sokół T (2011) A 99 line code for discretized michell truss optimization written in mathematica. Struct Multidiscip Optim 43:181–190CrossRefMATHGoogle Scholar
  18. 18.
    Gilbert M, Tyas A (2003) Layout optimization of large scale pin-jointed frames. Eng Comput 20:1044–1064CrossRefMATHGoogle Scholar
  19. 19.
    Martinez P, Marti P, Querin O (2007) Growth method for size, topology, and geometry optimization of truss structures. Struct Multidiscip Optim 33:13–26CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  20. 20.
    BIS (2007) IS 800:2007 General construction in steel: Code of practiceGoogle Scholar
  21. 21.
    Mandhyan A, Srivastava G, Krishnamoorthi S (2014) Web application for size and topology optimization of trusses and gusset plates. In: International Workshop on Computational Micromechanics of Materials, Madrid, SpainGoogle Scholar
  22. 22.
    Sigmund O (2001) A 99 line topology optimization code written in matlab. Struct Multidiscip Optim 21:120–127CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  23. 23.
    Enterprises Scilab (2012) Scilab: Free and Open Source software for numerical computation. Scilab Enterprises, OrsayGoogle Scholar
  24. 24.
    Oppenheim AV, Schafer RW, Buck JR (1989) Discrete-time signal processing, vol 2. Prentice-hall, Englewood CliffsMATHGoogle Scholar
  25. 25.
    Zerva A, Zervas V (2002) Spatial variation of seismic ground motions: an overview. Appl Mech Rev 55:271–297CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  26. 26.
    Hemp WS (1973) Optimum structures. Clarendon Press, OxfordGoogle Scholar

Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag London 2016

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Linde Engineering Pvt. Ltd.VadodaraIndia
  2. 2.Department of Civil EngineeringIndian Institute of Technology GandhinagarGandhinagarIndia
  3. 3.US Naval Research LaboratoryWashingtonUSA

Personalised recommendations