APPROXIMATION TECHNIQUES FOR APPLICATION OF GENETIC ALGORITHMS TO STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

Although the genetic algorithm (GA) has very powerful robustness and fitness, it needs a large size of population and a large number of iterations to reach the optimum result. Especially when GA is used in complex structural optimization problems, if the structural reanalysis technique is not adopted, the more the number of finite element analysis (FEA) is, the more the consuming time is. In the conventional structural optimization the number of FEA can be reduced by the structural reanalysis technique based on the approximation techniques and sensitivity analysis. With these techniques, this paper provides a new approximation model-segment approximation model, adopted for the GA application. This segment approximation model can decrease the number of FEA and increase the convergence rate of GA. So it can apparently decrease the computation time of GA. Two examples demonstrate the availability of the new segment approximation model.

Composite Structural Optimization by Genetic Algorithm and Neural Network Response Surface Modeling

Neural-Network Response Surfaces （NNRS） is applied to replace the actual expensive finite element analysis during the composite structural optimization process. The Orthotropic Experiment Method （OEM） is used to select the most appropriate design samples for network training. The trained response surfaces can either be objective function or constraint conditions. Together with other conven- tional constraints, an optimization model is then set up and can be solved by Genetic Algorithm （GA）. This allows the separation between design analysis modeling and optimization searching. Through an example of a hat-stiffened composite plate design, the weight response surface is constructed to be objective function, and strength and buckling response surfaces as constraints; and all of them are trained through NASTRAN finite element analysis. The results of optimization study illustrate that the cycles of structural analysis ean be remarkably reduced or even eliminated during the optimization, thus greatly raising the efficiency of optimization process. It also observed that NNRS approximation can achieve equal or even better accuracy than conventional functional response surfaces.

Topological optimization of ballistic protective structures through genetic algorithms in a vulnerability-driven environment

Reducing the vulnerability of a platform,i.e.,the risk of being affected by hostile objects,is of paramount importance in the design process of vehicles,especially aircraft.A simple and effective way to decrease vulnerability is to introduce protective structures to intercept and possibly stop threats.However,this type of solution can lead to a significant increase in weight,affecting the performance of the aircraft.For this reason,it is crucial to study possible solutions that allow reducing the vulnerability of the aircraft while containing the increase in structural weight.One possible strategy is to optimize the topology of protective solutions to find the optimal balance between vulnerability and the weight of the added structures.Among the many optimization techniques available in the literature for this purpose,multiobjective genetic algorithms stand out as promising tools.In this context,this work proposes the use of a in-house software for vulnerability calculation to guide the process of topology optimization through multi-objective genetic algorithms,aiming to simultaneously minimize the weight of protective structures and vulnerability.In addition to the use of the in-house software,which itself represents a novelty in the field of topology optimization of structures,the method incorporates a custom mutation function within the genetic algorithm,specifically developed using a graph-based approach to ensure the continuity of the generated structures.The tool developed for this work is capable of generating protections with optimized layouts considering two different types of impacting objects,namely bullets and fragments from detonating objects.The software outputs a set of non-dominated solutions describing different topologies that the user can choose from.

Structural-acoustic optimization of stiffened panels based on a genetic algorithm

For the structural-acoustic radiation optimization problem under external loading,acoustic radiation power was considered to be an objective function in the optimization method. The finite element method(FEM) and boundary element method(BEM) were adopted in numerical calculations,and structural response and the acoustic response were assumed to be de-coupled in the analysis. A genetic algorithm was used as the strategy in optimization. In order to build the relational expression of the pressure objective function and the power objective function,the enveloping surface model was used to evaluate pressure in the acoustic domain. By taking the stiffened panel structural-acoustic optimization problem as an example,the acoustic power and field pressure after optimized was compared. Optimization results prove that this method is reasonable and effective.

Hydraulic Self Servo Swing Cylinder Structure Optimization and Dynamic Characteristics Analysis Based on Genetic Algorithm

The dynamic characteristics of hydraulic self servo swing cylinder were analyzed according to the hydraulic system natural frequency formula. Based on that,a method of the hydraulic self servo swing cylinder structure optimization based on genetic algorithm was proposed in this paper. By analyzing the four parameters that affect the dynamic characteristics, we had to optimize the structure to obtain as larger the Dm( displacement) as possible under the condition with the purpose of improving the dynamic characteristics of hydraulic self servo swing cylinder. So three state equations were established in this paper. The paper analyzed the effect of the four parameters in hydraulic self servo swing cylinder natural frequency equation and used the genetic algorithm to obtain the optimal solution of structure parameters. The model was simulated by substituting the parameters and initial value to the simulink model. Simulation results show that: using self servo hydraulic swing cylinder natural frequency equation to study its dynamic response characteristics is very effective.Compared with no optimization,the overall system dynamic response speed is significantly improved.

Application of a Machine Learning Algorithm for the Structural Optimization of Circular Arches with Different Cross-Sections

Arches are employed for bridges. This particular type of structures, characterized by a very old use tradition, is nowadays, widely exploited because of its strength, resilience, cost-effectiveness and charm. In recent years, a more conscious design approach that focuses on a more proper use of the building materials combined with the increasing of the computational capability of the modern computers, has led the research in the civil engineering field to the study of optimization algorithms applications aimed at the definition of the best design parameters. In this paper, a differential formulation and a MATLAB code for the calculation of the internal stresses in the arch structure are proposed. Then, the application of a machine learning algorithm, the genetic algorithm, for the calculation of the geometrical parameters, that allows to minimize the quantity of material that constitute the arch structures, is implemented. In this phase, the method used to calculate the stresses has been considered as a constraint function to reduce the range of the solutions to the only ones able to bear the design loads with the smallest volume. In particular, some case studies with different cross-sections are reported to prove the validity of the method and to compare the obtained results in terms of optimization effectiveness.

Multi-objective optimization of membrane structures based on Pareto Genetic Algorithm

A multi-objective optimization method based on Pareto Genetic Algorithm is presented for shape design of membrane structures from a structural view point.Several non-dimensional variables are defined as optimization variables,which are decision factors of shapes of membrane structures.Three objectives are proposed including maximization of stiffness,maximum uniformity of stress and minimum reaction under external loads.Pareto Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm is introduced to solve the Pareto solutions.Consequently,the dependence of the optimality upon the optimization variables is derived to provide guidelines on how to determine design parameters.Moreover,several examples illustrate the proposed methods and applications.The study shows that the multi-objective optimization method in this paper is feasible and efficient for membrane structures;the research on Pareto solutions can provide explicit and useful guidelines for shape design of membrane structures.

An adaptive reanalysis method for genetic algorithm with application to fast truss optimization

Although the genetic algorithm （GA） for structural optimization is very robust, it is very computationally intensive and hence slower than optimality criteria and mathematical programming methods. To speed up the design process, the authors present an adaptive reanalysis method for GA and its applications in the optimal design of trusses. This reanalysis technique is primarily derived from the Kirsch＇s combined approximations method. An iteration scheme is adopted to adaptively determine the number of basis vectors at every generation. In order to illustrate this method, three classical examples of optimal truss design are used to validate the proposed reanalysis-based design procedure. The presented numerical results demonstrate that the adaptive reanalysis technique affects very slightly the accuracy of the optimal solutions and does accelerate the design process, especially for large-scale structures.

Welding sequences optimization of box structure based on genetic algorithm method

In this article, The genetic algorithm method was proposed, that is, to establish the box structure＇s nonlinear three-dimension optimization numerical model based on thermo-mechanical coupling algorithm, and the objective function of welding distortion has been utilized to determine an optimum welding sequence by optimization simulation. The validity of genetic algorithm method combining with the thermo-mechanical nonlinear finite element model is verified by comparison with the experimental data where available. By choosing the appropriate objective function for the considered case, an optimum weldiing.sequence is determined by a genetic algorithm. All done in this study indicates that the new method presented in this article will have important practical application for designing the welding technical parameters in the future.

Research on Optimizing Computer Network Structure based on Genetic Algorithm and Modified Convex Optimization Theory

In this paper, we report in-depth analysis and research on the optimizing computer network structure based on genetic algorithm and modified convex optimization theory. Machine learning method has been widely used in the background and one of its core problems is to solve the optimization problem. Unlike traditional batch algorithm, stochastic gradient descent algorithm in each iteration calculation, the optimization of a single sample point only losses could greatly reduce the memory overhead. The experiment illustrates the feasibility of our proposed approach.

APPLICATION OF HYBRID GENETIC ALGORITHM IN AEROELASTIC MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGN OPTIMIZATION OF LARGE AIRCRAFT

The genetic/gradient-based hybrid algorithm is introduced and used in the design studies of aeroelastic optimization of large aircraft wings to attain skin distribution,stiffness distribution and design sensitivity.The program of genetic algorithm is developed by the authors while the gradient-based algorithm borrows from the modified method for feasible direction in MSC/NASTRAN software.In the hybrid algorithm,the genetic algorithm is used to perform global search to avoid to fall into local optima,and then the excellent individuals of every generation optimized by the genetic algorithm are further fine-tuned by the modified method for feasible direction to attain the local optima and hence to get global optima.Moreover,the application effects of hybrid genetic algorithm in aeroelastic multidisciplinary design optimization of large aircraft wing are discussed,which satisfy multiple constraints of strength,displacement,aileron efficiency,and flutter speed.The application results show that the genetic/gradient-based hybrid algorithm is available for aeroelastic optimization of large aircraft wings in initial design phase as well as detailed design phase,and the optimization results are very consistent.Therefore,the design modifications can be decreased using the genetic/gradient-based hybrid algorithm.

Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm vs Genetic Algorithm to Develop Integrated Scheme for Obtaining Optimal Mechanical Structure and Adaptive Controller of a Robot

The performances of Particle Swarm Optimization and Genetic Algorithm have been compared to develop a methodology for concurrent and integrated design of mechanical structure and controller of a 2-dof robotic manipulator solving tracking problems. The proposed design scheme optimizes various parameters belonging to different domains (that is, link geometry, mass distribution, moment of inertia, control gains) concurrently to design manipulator, which can track some given paths accurately with a minimum power consumption. The main strength of this study lies with the design of an integrated scheme to solve the above problem. Both real-coded Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization are used to solve this complex optimization problem. Four approaches have been developed and their performances are compared. Particle Swarm Optimization is found to perform better than the Genetic Algorithm, as the former carries out both global and local searches simultaneously, whereas the latter concentrates mainly on the global search. Controllers with adaptive gain values have shown better performance compared to the conventional ones, as expected.

Splicing System Based Genetic Algorithms for Developing RBF Net-works Models

A splicing system based genetic algorithm is proposed to optimize dynamical radial basis function(RBF)neural network,which is used to extract valuable process information from input output data.The novel RBF net-work training technique includes the network structure into the set of function centers by compromising between the conflicting requirements of reducing prediction error and simultaneously decreasing model complexity.The ef-fectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated through the development of dynamic models as a benchmark discrete example and a continuous stirred tank reactor by comparing with several different RBF network training methods.

Optimal Building Frame Column Design Based on the Genetic Algorithm

Building structure is like the skeleton of the building,it bears the effects of various forces and forms a supporting system,which is the material basis on which the building depends.Hence building structure design is a vital part in architecture design,architects often explore novel applications of their technologies for building structure innovation.However,such searches relied on experiences,expertise or gut feeling.In this paper,a new design method for the optimal building frame column design based on the genetic algorithm is proposed.First of all,in order to construct the optimal model of the building frame column,building units are divided into three categories in general:building bottom,main building and building roof.Secondly,the genetic algorithm is introduced to optimize the building frame column.In the meantime,a PGA-Skeleton based concurrent genetic algorithm design plan is proposed to improve the optimization efficiency of the genetic algorithm.Finally,effectiveness of the mentioned algorithm is verified through the simulation experiment.

Application of Modified Genetic Algorithm to Optimal Design of Supporting Structure

The modified genetic algorithm was used for the optimal design of supporting structure in deep pits.Based on the common genetic algorithm, using niche technique and reserving the optimum individual the modified genetic algorithm was presented. By means of the practical engineering, the modified genetic algorithm not only has more expedient convergence, but also can enhance security and operation efficiency.

Improved genetic algorithm based on reinforcement learning for electric vehicle front-end structure optimization design

The structural optimization of electric vehicles involves numerous design variables and constraints,making it a complex engineering optimization task over the past decades.Many population-based evolutionary algorithms encounter issues such as converging to local optima and lacking population diversity when tackling such optimization problems.Consequently,the solutions obtained for the optimization may be flawed or suboptimal.To address these problems,an improved genetic algorithm(GA)based on reinforcement learning is proposed in this paper.The proposed method introduces a population delimitation method based on individual fitness ranking.The population is divided into two parts:the excellent population and the ordinary population,and different selection and cross-mutation methods are applied to each part separately.More efficient crossover and mutation methods are then applied to the ordinary population to enhance the generation of excellent individuals.Furthermore,the proposed approach replaces the traditional fixed crossover and mutation rates with a dynamic selection method based on reinforcement learning to enhance optimization efficiency.A markov decision process model is constructed based on GA environment in this context.The population state determination method and reward method are designed for reinforcement learning in the GA environment,dynamically selecting the most appropriate genetic parameters based on the current state of the population.Finally,the uncertainty in the manufacturing process is introduced into the optimization problem and the case study results demonstrate that the proposed reinforcement learning-based GA significantly outperforms other evolutionary algorithms when applied to solving the structural optimization of electric vehicles.

Structural Optimization of Concrete Slab Frame Bridges Considering Investment Cost

The present study investigates computer-antomated design and structural optimization of concrete slab frame bridges considering investment cost based on a complete 3D model. Thus, a computer code with several modules has been developed to produce parametric models of slab frame bridges. Design loads and load combinations are based on the Eurocode design standard and the Swedish design standard for bridges. The necessary reinforcement diagrams to satisfy the ultimate and serviceability limit states, including fatigue checks for the whole bridge, are calculated according to the aforementioned standards. Optimization techniques based on the genetic algorithm and the pattern search method are applied. A case study is presented to highlight the efficiency of the applied optimization algorithms. This methodology has been applied in the design process for the time-effective, material-efficient, and optimal design of concrete slab frame bridges.

Direct aperture optimization based on genetic algorithm and conjugate gradient in intensity modulated radiation therapy

For resolving the problem that a conventional intensity modulated radiotherapy （IMRT） plan designed with the ＂two-step method＂-creates a greater number of apertures and total Monitor Units （MU）, the direct aperture optimization （DAO） method using a genetic algorithm and conjugate gradient was studied based on Accurate/ Advanced Radiation Therapy System （ARTS） developed by the FDS Team （www.fds.org.cn）.

Cost Optimization Method of Large-scale Prestressed Wire Winded Framework on Multiple-island Genetic Algorithm

Prestressed wire winded framework （PWWF） is an advanced structure and the most expensive part in the large-scale equip- ment. The traditional design of PWWF is complicated, highly iterative and cost uncontrolable, because PWWF is a variable stiffness multi-agent structure, with non-linear loading and deformation coordination. In this paper, cost optimization method of large-scale PWWF by multiple-island genetic algorithm （MIGA） is presented. Optimization design flow and optimization model are proposed based on variable-tension wire winding theory. An example of the PWWF cost optimization of isostatic equipment with axial load 6 000 kN is given. The optimization cost is reduced by 21.6% compared with traditional design. It has also been verified by the finite-element analysis and successfully applied to an actual PWWF design of isostatic press. The results show that this method is efficient and reliable. This method can also provide a guide for optimal design for ultra-large dimension muti-frame structure of 546 MN and 907 MN isostatic press equipment.

Back-propagation network improved by conjugate gradient based on genetic algorithm in QSAR study on endocrine disrupting chemicals

Since the complexity and structural diversity of man-made compounds are considered, quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs)-based fast screening approaches are urgently needed for the assessment of the potential risk of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The artificial neural net-works (ANN) are capable of recognizing highly nonlinear relationships, so it will have a bright applica-tion prospect in building high-quality QSAR models. As a popular supervised training algorithm in ANN, back-propagation (BP) converges slowly and immerses in vibration frequently. In this paper, a research strategy that BP neural network was improved by conjugate gradient (CG) algorithm with a variable selection method based on genetic algorithm was applied to investigate the QSAR of EDCs. This re-sulted in a robust and highly predictive ANN model with R2 of 0.845 for the training set, q2pred of 0.81 and root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.688 for the test set. The result shows that our method can provide a feasible and practical tool for the rapid screening of the estrogen activity of organic compounds.