Topology optimization of trusses - Random cost method versus evolutionary algorithms

The recently proposed random cost method is applied to the topology optimization of trusses. Its performance is compared to previous genetic algorithm and evolution strategy simulations. Random cost turns out to be an optimization method with attractive features. In comparison to the genetic algorithm approach of Hajela, Lee and Lin, random cost turns out to be simpler and more efficient. Furthermore it is found that in contrast to evolution strategy, the random cost strategy's ability to find optima, is independent of the initial structure. This characteristic is related to the important capacity of escaping from local optima.