Symmetry and asymmetry of solutions in discrete variable structural optimization

  • Authors:
  • James N. Richardson;Sigrid Adriaenssens;Philippe Bouillard;Rajan Filomeno Coelho

  • Affiliations:
  • BATir SMC - Structural and Material Computational Mechanics, Brussels School of Engineering, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium 1050;Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, USA;BATir SMC - Structural and Material Computational Mechanics, Brussels School of Engineering, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium 1050;BATir SMC - Structural and Material Computational Mechanics, Brussels School of Engineering, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium 1050

  • Venue:
  • Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization
  • Year:
  • 2013

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Abstract

In this paper symmetry and asymmetry of optimal solutions in symmetric structural optimization problems is investigated, based on the choice of variables. A group theory approach is used to define the symmetry of the structural problems in a general way. This approach allows the set of symmetric structures to be described and related to the entire search space of the problem. A relationship between the design variables and the likelihood of finding symmetric or asymmetric solutions to problems is established. It is shown that an optimal symmetric solution (if any) does not necessarily exist in the case of discrete variable problems, regardless of the size of the discrete, countable set from which variables can be chosen. Finally a number of examples illustrate these principles on simple truss structures with discrete topology and sizing variables.