Topology optimization of 3D structure for stiffness and natural frequency using artificial bee colony algorithm

Abstract

In this paper, a continuum structural topology optimization using the artificial bee colony algorithm (ABCA), which is one of swarm intelligence methods, is firstly applied to the stiffness and natural frequency structural optimization problems of three dimensional structures. This paper describes some modifications made to the ABCA in order to solve the 3D static and dynamic problems. The objective is to obtain the stiffest or maximized natural frequency structure with a certain amount of material based on the contributed strain energy or sensitivity related to eigenvalues of each element. Typical and practical examples such as beam, desk, and plate of structural models which have widely been used in structural optimization among many topology optimization algorithms are provided to examine applicability of the suggested ABCA.