Integrated design algorithm for branching structures.

Branching structures comprise slender beam members that may cause the buckling of entire structures due to compression. An intelligent design algorithm for branching structures is proposed to facilitate the design of branching structures. The branching can be automatically generated by giving loads and truss position. This algorithm consists of three parts, namely, form-finding algorithm, buckling optimization algorithm, and topology optimization algorithm. With this intelligent design algorithm, the moment of the branching members can be removed; the geometrical length of members can be optimized according to the buckling constraints; and the effective members can be automatically selected from the ground structures and the sectional size can be automatically determined simultaneously. This work can be efficiently utilized for the engineering in the design of branching structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]