| Title |
Application of Neural Dynamics Model to Optimization of Steel Structures |
| Abstract |
A structural optimization algorithm formulated by integrating the exterior penalty function method, the Kuhn-Tuker conditions, and the Lyapunov stability theorem is presented in companion paper. In this paper, the optimization model is applied to optimum plastic design of low-rise frames and minimum weight design of space truss structures. As demonstrated in the convergence histories for the five examples presented, the optimization model yields stable results no matter how the starting point is selected. Also, the flexibility of the model is clearly shown by applying the model to different categories of examples such as plastic design examples for a linear optimization problem and minimum weight design examples for a nonlinear optimization problem. Design sensitivity coefficients for objective and constraints functions are calculated by the adjoint variable method. The results from the model for four examples are compared with those of benchmarking problems selected from literatures. |