1211 Discrete Optimization of Trusses by Using Mixed-Integer Second-Order Cone Programming

Abstract

This paper presents a truss topology optimization method for finding the minimum compliance design in which only a limited number of different cross-section sizes are used. The member cross-sectional areas are considered either discrete design variables or continuous design variables. In both cases the optimization problem of interest can be reduced to a mixed-integer second-order cone programming problem. The global optimal solution is then computed by using an existing algorithm based on a branch-and-cut method.