Pichugin, A.V., Tyas, A., Gilbert, M. et al. (1 more author) (2015) Optimum structure for a uniform load over multiple spans. Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization. ISSN 1615-147X
Abstract
This paper presents a new half-plane Michell structure that transmits a uniformly distributed load of infinite horizontal extent to a series of equally-spaced pinned supports. A full kinematic description of the structure is obtained for the case when the maximum allowable tensile stress is greater than or equal to the allowable compressive stress. Although formal proof of optimality of the solution presented is not yet available, the proposed analytical solution is supported by substantial numerical evidence, involving the solution of problems with in excess of 10 billion potential members. Furthermore, numerical solutions for various combinations of unequal allowable stresses suggest the existence of a family of related, simple, and practically relevant structures, which range in form from a Hemp-type arch with vertical hangers to a structure which strongly resembles a cable-stayed bridge.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2015 The Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Keywords: | Plastic design; Truss optimization; Michell structure; Uniformly distributed load |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Engineering (Sheffield) > Department of Civil and Structural Engineering (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 16 Nov 2015 11:44 |
Last Modified: | 16 Nov 2015 11:44 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00158-015-1278-0 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Springer Verlag |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1007/s00158-015-1278-0 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:91608 |