Improved simulated annealing search for structural optimization

An optimization algorithm based on simulated annealing is proposed, in whic h the domain of the search is successively reduced based on a probability c oncept until the stopping criteria are satisfied. By introducing the ideas of probability cumulative distribution function and stable energy, the sele ction of initial temperature and equilibrium criterion in the process of si mulated annealing becomes easy and effective. Numerical studies using a set of standard test functions and an example or a 10-bar truss show that the approach is effective and robust in solving both functional and structural optimization problems.