Topology Optimization of Three-Dimensional Trusses Using the Progressive Directional Selection Method

Resumo

The pursuit of designing structures that are more efficient in supporting the applied loads while also achieving greater material savings has led many designers to turn to structural optimization methods. Topological structural optimization has been gaining increasing importance in the early stages of design, as it allows for the identification of the optimized material distribution so that the structure can support the applied loads. However, many topological optimization methods rely on mathematically complex equations, making them difficult to implement numerically and even harder for many design engineers to understand. Consequently, heuristic topological optimization methods—which do not depend on mathematical gradients—are a good alternative for achieving optimized solutions with easier implementation. One such method is the Progressive Directional Selection (PDS) method, a purely heuristic evolutionary approach. The PDS method is inspired by evolutionary principles—particularly the idea of directional selection. It aims to optimize a structure by selecting the elements that contribute most to bearing the applied loads and eliminating those that contribute the least, through distinct removal stages. This study aims to implement the PDS method for optimizing three-dimensional truss structures using the ground structure approach. The results demonstrate that PDS can find optimized solutions for three-dimensional truss structures.