Design optimization of 2D continuum structures using an efficient simulated annealing algorithm

This paper presents an optimization algorithm based on Simulated Annealing in design optimization of 2D continuum structures. The algorithm – denoted as CMLPSA (Corrected Multi-Level & Multi-Point Simulated Annealing) – implements an advanced search mechanism where each candidate design is selected from a population of trial points randomly generated. The multi-point strategy is adopted for both feasible and infeasible intermediate designs. CMLPSA includes a multi-level annealing strategy where trial points are generated by perturbing all design variables simultaneously (global level) or one by one (local level). In this paper, the effects of rejection ratio and evolutionary rate are investigated in design optimization of 2D continuum structures. The results of this study are also compared with other researches reported in the literature. It is concluded that for different values of initial discarding and rate of discarding parameters the final volume or von Mises stress of the optimum structure do not change considrably, but the final shape for different rate of discarding is changed. However, final volume and von Mises stress of the optimum structure are improved in comparison with other methods.