Structural topology optimization using ant colony methodology

In this paper Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and finite element analysis are employed in topology optimization of 2D and 3D structural models. The aim is to find the stiffest structure with a certain amount of material, based on the element's contribution to the strain energy. The ACO algorithm provides a suitable tool to handle the problem as an on-off discrete optimization. In this method, the analogy with ants determining the shortest path to food is the decision for an element to be eliminated or to remain. The main effect of using this approach lies in the fact that the problems of topology optimization can be reformulated as discrete problems with no limitation. Examples of 2D and 3D models are provided to show the applicability of the present method. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.