Affiliations: Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanics, Biomechanics and Mechatronics, Technická 4, 166 29 Prague 6, Czech Republic | Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Mechanics, Thákurova 7, 166 29 Prague 6, Czech Republic
Note: [] Corresponding author. Wilson R. Leal da Silva, Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Mechanics, Thákurova 7, 166 29 Prague 6, Czech Republic. Tel.: +420 224 354 629; Fax: +420 224 310 775; E-mail: wilson.silva@fsv.cvut.cz
Abstract: This paper proposes cabled-trusses benchmarks for mechanical engineering applications and provides suitable tools for modeling and optimization of cabled-trusses. These structures correspond to a system of cables and triangular bar formations jointed at their ends by hinged connections to form a rigid framework. The optimized cabled-truss is determined through a discrete optimization procedure that uses nonlinear finite element analysis, genetic algorithm, and fuzzy logic. In this work, planar and spatial trusses and cabled-trusses are optimized to achieve minimum weight designs. Also, the structural performance of the optimized structures is compared. In summary, the results show that cabled-trusses feature improvements over trusses.
