ISSN:
1615-1488
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Abstract The problem is addressed of growing least-volume trusses, starting from the simplest possible layout rather than from a complex ground structure. This approach to the optimal-layout problem is shown to be well suited to deflection-space methods of solution, which allow geometry and layout to be optimized simultaneously. The method has the advantage that it can produce much simpler, more realistic structures; allows joint-weight to be taken into account; and involves smaller computational problems. The key task at each stage is to generate least-volume linearly-elastic pin-jointed frames with prespecified numbers of joints. This problem is well-posed and is shown by examples to be solvable. The obstacles to be overcome in order to produce a practical computer implementation are analysed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01278495
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