A new simulated annealing algorithm is proposed for discrete minimal weight design of shallow spaceudtrusses. The process allows us to consider the global and local stability problems as well. Because ofudthe highly nonlinear phenomena, it is essential to use appropriate and safe models that detect theseudeffects as accurately as possible. In this paper, a non-linear path-following method is applied for theudanalysis of non-linear stability problems. The design variables are the cross-sectional areas selectedudfrom a given set of cross-sections. In the simulated annealing procedure, a truss structure isudcharacterized by its cross-sectional areas, its weight, and its maximal constraint violation free loadudintensity factor. A random neighbor is defined to be any truss that can be created by replacing theudcross-sectional area of one element group in the current truss by its immediate predecessor orudsuccessor area.udTo demonstrate the efficiency of the simulated annealing method proposed, two numerical examples, aud24-member, and a 30-member dome structure are presented where structural instability constraints andudmember buckling are considered as well. Computational results indicate that the simulated annealingudprocedure is a viable approach for a very difficult structure optimization problem.
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