Abstract:

The ground structure method provides an approximation to optimal Michell-type structures, composed of an infinite number of members, by using a reduced number of truss members. The optimal least weight truss for a single load case, under linear elastic conditions, subjected to stress constraints can be posed as a linear programming problem (Ohsaki [1]). The aim of the work is to provide a scalable implementation for the optimization of least weight trusses embedded in any domain geometry. The method removes unnecessary members from a truss that has a user-defined degree of interconnection (ground structure) while keeping the nodal locations fixed. The present work describes in detail a scalable implementation of the ground structure method using a special implementation of the interior point algorithm. We demonstrate the capabilities of the algorithm by means of large scale applications on practical problems involving hundreds of millions of members.