Shape optimization of one layer lattice shells using simulated anealling

Abstract

This article presents the procedure to obtain optimum designs in one layer lattice shells. The objective is to find parameters of form that have more effect on cost, of way comparable to the plane structures. from the exploration of specific solutions to the optimization of shells problem, using Simulated Annealing (SA). These parameters are tried to determine according to the Theory of Design of Structures. The Theory tries that, in the first stages of the design process, the structural suitability can be insured from geometric parameters with guarantee of later validity. This Theory uses structural volume as objective function. Its definition and characteristics will be seen. This article begin with the definition of shell, and a brief revision to SA (numerical approximation method that finds solutions near optimum), later the problem of optimization of one layer lattice shells, changing its geometry and topology, is exposed, some numerical examples are proposed and its solutions. To finish diverse conclusions are extracted, as that SA is an appropriated method for this kind of problems, and the parameters of form, object of this investigation, are extracted from the found solutions