Optimal design of continuum structure by genetic algorithm – Simultaneous determination of shape and material

In this paper, the genetic algorithms (GAs) are applied to the optimal design of the continuum structures. The chromosomes for the structures are defined by taking as the genes, the control points of the functions and the material code. The population is constructed by the individuals with such chromosomes. The genetic operators such as the selection, the crossover and the mutation are applied to the population in order to determine the optimal structure. The minimum weight design of a plate is considered as a numerical example. The present scheme, firstly, is applied to the determination problem of the boundary profile of the structure in order to confirm the validity of the shape optimization algorithm. Next, it is applied to the simultaneous determination problem of the profile and the material of the structure.