GENETIC APPROACH TO OPTIMAL TOPOLOGY CONTROLLER DESIGN OF ADAPTIVE STRUCTURES/

Integrated optimization of structural topology and control system is c onsidered. The problem is formulated as mixed discrete-continuous mult i-objective programming with a linear quadratic regulator cost index, and measures of robustness and controllability as objectives. The Gene tic Algorithm (GA), a guided random search technique, is adopted for t he problem-solving. A member elimination strategy that allows deleted members to be recovered is suggested in the search procedure. As verif ication for the proposed method, optimum layout and actuator placement for a 45-bar truss is illustrated. Numerical results indicate that th e genetic algorithm can converge to optimum solutions by searching onl y a minor fraction of the solution space. Discussions on the algorithm are presented. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.