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On robust design optimization of truss structures with bounded uncertainties

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Abstract

This paper investigates robust design optimization of truss structures with uncertain-but-bounded parameters and loads. The variations of the cross-sectional areas, Young’s moduli and applied loads are treated with non-probabilistic ellipsoid convex models. A robustness index for quantitatively measuring the maximal allowable magnitude of system variations is presented, and the design problem is then formulated as to maximize the minimum of the robustness indices for all the concerned design requirements under a given material volume constraint. For circumventing the difficulty associated with the max-min type problem, an aggregate function technique is employed to construct a smooth objective function. The computational scheme for the sensitivity of the robustness index is derived on the basis of optimum sensitivity analysis. The optimization problem is then solved by using the GCMMA optimizer. Numerical examples illustrate the validity and effectiveness of the present formulation and solution techniques.

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Acknowledgements

The support from the Major Project of Chinese National Programs for Fundamental Research and Development (Grant 2010CB832703) and the Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant 91130025, 11072047) is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China

    Zhan Kang & Song Bai

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  1. Zhan Kang
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  2. Song Bai
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Correspondence to Zhan Kang.

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Kang, Z., Bai, S. On robust design optimization of truss structures with bounded uncertainties. Struct Multidisc Optim 47, 699–714 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-012-0868-3

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