Optimization of support positions to minimize the maximal deflection of structures

In this paper, the design sensitivity analysis for the deflection of a beam or plate structure is first investigated with respect to the position of a simple support using the discrete method. Both elastic and rigid supports are taken into account, and closed-form formulae for the deflection sensitivity are developed straightforwardly. Then, on the basis of the design sensitivity analysis, a heuristic optimization algorithm, called the evolutionary shift method, is presented for support position optimization to minimize the maximal deflection of a structure with a fixed grid mesh scheme. In each iterative loop, the support with the highest efficiency is shifted in priority. To facilitate the convergence of the process, a polynomial interpolation technique is employed to evaluate the solution more accurately. The optimal solution is achieved gradually with a minimum modification of the support layout design. Finally, three numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the validities of the sensitivity analysis and the optimization method. Results show that support optimization can improve the structural behavior significantly. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.