Application of the smooth evolutionary structural optimization method combined with a multi-criteria decision procedure. (15th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernandes, Walliston S.; Greco, Marcelo; Almeida, Valério S.
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 143(2017:Jul. 15)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2017-07-15
• Subjects: Evolutionary optimization -- Topological Optimization -- Analytic Hierarchy Process -- Weighted Sum Method -- Finite Element Method; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2017.04.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: Multi objective topology optimization is performed to obtain structural models. Several topologies over several iterations are compared to define the optimum topology. Weighted sum method is combined with evolutionary optimization to find the results. 3D linear analysis is performed using an open source software called Salome-Meca. Abstract: Topological Optimization (TO) of a structure with elastic-linear behavior considering a multi-objective problem is the goal of this work. For this process, an evolutionary heuristic formulation denominated SESO (Smoothing Evolutionary Structural Optimization) in conjunction with a finite element method was applied. In order to find the best topology, the authors choose to use the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which provides a simple but theoretically sound multiple-criteria methodology for evaluating alternatives. Together with the Weighted Sum Method (WSM), which is considering one of the best and simplest multi-criteria decision analyses or multi-criteria decision making method for evaluating a number of alternatives in terms of a number of decision criteria, this work aims to show the best topology among an interactive process focusing on four parameters: volume, displacement, stress and performance index. Some numerical examples are presented in order to show how the topological optimization process works and as such, to demonstrate the advantages of combining SESO, AHP and WSM as a structural optimization method.