Practical optimization of deployable and scissor-like structures using a fast GA method

Abstract

This paper addresses practical sizing optimization of deployable and scissor-like structures from a new point of view. These structures have been recently highly regarded for beauty, lightweight, determine behavior, proper performance against lateral loads and the ability of been compactly packaged. At this time, there is a few studies done considering practical optimization of these structures. Loading considered here includes wind and gravity loads. In foldable scissor-like structures, connections have a complex behavior. For this reason, in this study, the authors used the ABAQUS commercial package as an analyzer in the optimization procedure. This made the obtained optimal solutions highly reliable from the point of view of applicability and construction requirements. Also, to do optimization task, a fast genetic algorithm method, which has been recently introduced by authors, was utilized. Optimization results show that despite less weight for aluminum models than steel models, aluminum deployable structures are not affordable because they need more material than steel structures and cause more environmental damage.

Keywords

optimization / scissor-like structures / deployable structures / genetic algorithm / ABAQUS

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