Sparse matrix algorithm for minimum weight design of large structures

Exploiting the zeros inside the sparse global stiffness matrix of a large space structure, a general sparse algorithm has been developed for optimization of large structures. An indirect reference data structure has been used to store the nonzero elements of the stiffness matrix in compact form. The optimization approach used is the optimality criteria method with stress, displacement, and fabricational constraints. The algorithm has been applied to minimum weight design of three space structures with the largest one having 2024 members. The performance of the algorithm is compared with the widely used banded matrix approach. The new algorithm is substantially more efficient than that based on the banded matrix approach.