From Optimal Structural Configuration to Truss Optimization

An integrated truss design methodology based on homogenization-based topology optimization is proposed. After performing continuum topology optimization to obtain the optimal structural configuration, in the case that the percentage usage of the materials is low, the methodology can automatically proceed to the truss optimization based on the model, and achieve the optimum truss structure meeting the constraints. The three-dimensional continuum topology obtained from the homogenization-based topology optimization will be automatically converted to the truss model by using the unique node and bar detection techniques, and then the truss optimization can be autonomously executed so as to obtain the optimal truss design meeting all constraints.