Topology Optimization of a Three-Dimensional Fixed Beam Carrying Transverse Load Using Evolutionary Swarm Intelligence Algorithm

Abstract

Topology optimization has been an interesting area of study for civil engineers in the recent past. The study on the optimization of beams is one of the main areas of study. The aim of this paper is to perform topology optimization of a three-dimensional fixed beam carrying transverse load. Evolutionary swarm intelligence algorithm is one of the popular algorithms, which is commonly used for structural optimization. In this paper, firefly algorithm is used to determine the optimal distribution of the material in the design domain. An example of the fixed beam is analyzed in this paper using finite element analysis, and optimization is performed using the evolutionary algorithm. The optimal distribution shows that the material is aligned with the bending moment at the section. The analytical results show a similar trend as those results obtained from the topology optimization. The final results are tabulated and presented.