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Topology and shape optimization of continuum structures using GA and BEM

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Abstract

In a previous study, the authors presented a shape optimization scheme for continuum structures by a genetic algorithm and a boundary element method. In this paper, the study is extended to topology and shape optimization problems of the continuum structures.

Boundary profiles are expressed by spline functions. The chromosomes for the profiles are defined by a gene related to the topology (the number of internal boundaries) and genes related to the control points of the spline functions. The population is constructed by individuals with such chromosomes. The genetic opertors such as selection, crossover and mutation are applied to the population for searching the profile satisfying the design objectives. In the case of the objects with internal boundaries, intersection of the boundaries very often occurs and thus, the computational cost may become high. Therefore, we also discuss a scheme for increasing the computational efficiency in this case. Finally, the present scheme is applied to the topology and shape optimization of a plate in order to confirm its validity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechano-Informatics & Systems, Nagoya University, 464-8603, Nagoya, Japan

    E. Kita & H. Tanie

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  1. E. Kita
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  2. H. Tanie
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Kita, E., Tanie, H. Topology and shape optimization of continuum structures using GA and BEM. Structural Optimization 17, 130–139 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01195937

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01195937

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