Genetic Algorithms as an Approach to Configuration and Topology Design

TLDR

The study applies genetic algorithms to structural topology design and outlines future research directions. The authors describe GA representations, operators, and mapping to discretized design domains, and illustrate the approach with cantilevered plate and finely discretized topology optimization examples. The genetic algorithm successfully identifies families of highly fit structural topologies.

Abstract

The genetic algorithm, a search and optimization technique based on the theory of natural selection, is applied to problems of structural topology design. An overview of the genetic algorithm will first describe the genetics-based representations and operators used in a typical genetic algorithm search. Then, a review of previous research in structural optimization is provided. A discretized design representation, and methods for mapping genetic algorithm “chromosomes” into this representation, is then detailed. Several examples of genetic algorithm-based structural topology optimization are provided: we address the optimization of cantilevered plate topologies, and we investigate methods for optimizing finely-discretized design domains. The genetic algorithm’s ability to find families of highly-fit designs is also examined. Finally, a description of potential future work in genetic algorithm-based structural topology optimization is offered.