Design of Structures and Compliant Mechanisms by Evolutionary Optimization of Morphological Representations of Topology

This paper demonstrates the automatic design synthesis of continuum structures by the process of topology/shape optimization. The problem is solved as a discrete optimization problem using the genetic algorithm (GA). Past efforts using this approach have not been very effective due to the lack of an appropriate structural geometric representation which is highly essential to the success of the evolutionary processes of the GA. Based on the morphology of living creatures, a representation scheme has been developed using arrangements of skeleton and ‘flesh’ to define structural geometry. This scheme facilitates the transmission of topological and shape characteristics across generations in the evolutionary process, and will not render any structurally invalid designs. Good results are illustrated using this scheme to design a compliant mechanism and a cantilever beam. [S1050-0472(00)02104-8]