Author(s)

J.A. Bland

Abstract

Weight optimisation using tabu search J.A. Bland Department of Mathematics, Statistics & Operational Research, The Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4BU, UK ASTRACT Tabu search is a heuristic optimisation technique that has links with ideas in the field of artificial intelligence. It is an iterative improvement algorithm characterised by a semi-intelligent approach to its search of solution-space. The paper shows how tabu search may be adapted to solve an optimal structural design problem and a particular implementation is presented. The specific problem investigated is the weight optimisation of a ten-bar cantilever truss subjected to applied loads. This statically indeterminate problem is chosen as a vehicle for tabu search because it is challenging in the sense that there are numerous local minima. The results of various numerical experiments are reported and, when compared with the m

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