Abstract
We deal with a recursive optimal design approach, that is, an application of self-similarity to structural optimization. It is based on a recursive formulation of mechanical behavior of structural system. We have dealt with optimal designs of two dimensional truss structure so far; the initial structure to be optimized is prepared as an assemblage of a number of so-called primitive truss structures. In the present study, we discuss a generalization of this recursive structural optimization by developing a different type of primitive structural component. A triangular finite element based primitive component is newly developed. Example optimal designs based on the finite element based primitive components are conducted and the obtained results are examined.
