Topology optimization of trusses - Random cost method versus evolutionary algorithms

The recently proposed random cost method is applied to the topology optimiz ation of trusses. Its performance is compared to previous genetic algorithm and evolution strategy simulations. Random cost turns out to be an optimiz ation method with attractive features. In comparison to the genetic algorit hm approach of Hajela, Lee and Lin, random cost turns out to be simpler and more efficient. Furthermore it is found that in contrast to evolution stra tegy, the random cost strategy's ability to find optima, is independent of the initial structure. This characteristic is related to the important capa city of escaping from local optima.