Extension to the Growth of Truss Structures Method using MATLAB

The work presented in this paper proposes a new study that aims to further develop the Growth method by implementing it in MATLAB and incorporating extensions. The MATLAB Optimization toolbox solver fmincon was manipulated to solve the numerical optimization problem and determine the optimal truss layouts. The embedded finite differences method was applied to evaluate the derivatives of the objective function and the constraints associated with the design variables. The process involves six stages: Domain specification, Topology optimization, Geometry optimization, Optimality verification, Topology operations, and Topology growth, iterating hundreds of times to produce an optimal structure numerically. The joint costs (bolt costs) according to Eurocode3 standards were also incorporated into the optimization. The extended Growth was tested using examples of Michell cantilevers, Michell beam with fixed support, and with roller support and produced results that agree perfectly with those generated analytically.