The use of continuous variables for cross-sectional dimensions in truss structural optimization gives solutions with a large number of different cross sections with specific dimensions which in practice would be expensive, or impossible to create. Even slight variations from optimal sizes can result in unstable structures which do not meet constraint criteria. This paper shows the influence of the use of discrete cross section sizes in optimization and compares results to continuous variable counterparts. In order to achieve the most practically applicable design solutions, Euler buckling dynamic constraints are added to all models. A typical space truss model from literature, which use continuous variables, is compared to the discrete variable models under the same conditions. The example model is optimized for minimal weight using sizing and all possible combinations of shape and topology optimizations with sizing.
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