A Metamodeling Technique for Variable Geometry Trusses Design via Equivalent Parametric Macroelements

Abstract

A metamodeling methodology is applied to reduce the large computational cost required in the design of variable geometry trusses (VGTs). Using this methodology, submodels of finite elements within a complete FE model of the VGT are substituted by groups of fewer elements called equivalent parametric macroelements (EPMs). The EPM optimum parameters are obtained using equivalence criteria based on elastic energy and inertial properties. The optimization process is performed using nonlinear least square minimization and genetic algorithms.