Generation of Ground Structures

Within topology optimization of trusses the ground structure approach has established itself as the prevailing method. The basic idea is to limit the optimization algorithm to a certain set of bars, as opposed to allowing it to choose freely between all available bars. Previously, ground structures has been generated more or less by hand. This project has attempted to explore the possibilities for automation of this process. Three reasonable geometrical selection criteria are considered: inclusion of the shortest (or longest) bars, omission of overlapping bars and finally the implementation of prescribing a design domain. Inspired by ideas from computer aided geometric design and traditional shape optimization the latter makes it possible to consider non-convex design areas - in 2D as well as in 3D.