Optimum design of truss structures undergoing large deflections subject toa system stability constraint

A structural optimization algorithm is developed for shallow trusses underg oing large deflections subject to a system stability constraint. The method combines the non-linear buckling analysis, through displacement control te chnique, with the optimality criteria approach. Four examples illustrate th e procedure and allow the results obtained to be compared with those in the literature. It is shown that a design based on the generalized eigenvalue problem (linear buckling) highly underestimates the optimum mass for these types of structures so a design based on the linear buckling analysis can r esult in catastrophic failure. In one of the design examples the stresses i n the elements, in the optimum design, exceed the allowable stresses, point ing out the need for a design that accounts for both non-linear buckling an d stress constraints. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.