Design of real engineering structures can benefit from an optimization step in which various parameters can be determined to satisfy a given set of requirements and constraints. Optimization of spatial assemblies such as truss or frame structures involves sizing optimization to minimize the mass of the structure. Optimization of tensegrity structures is more challenging as prestress levels should be optimized as well. In this paper, sizing and prestress optimization of Class-2 tensegrity booms are addressed using a particle swarm optimization approach. Nonlinear finite-element models of tensegrity structures and solution methods provide a starting point. Furthermore, a continuum beam modeling technique for tensegrity structures with repeating units is also useful. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is described and two numerical examples are presented. The first example studies the design and single-objective optimization of a deployable Class-2 tensegrity boom with reinforcing cables to maximize the bending stiffness-to-mass ratio. The results indicate that the optimum structure is capable of competing well with the state-of-the-art deployable booms in terms of stiffness-to-mass ratio. The second example investigates a multi-objective optimization problem of a Class-2 tensegrity boom. The objective functions are selected as minimization of the mass and tip displacement, respectively. The objective functions are at least partially conflicting; therefore, Pareto-optimal solutions are obtained to guide future design decisions. The results show the potential of tensegrity structures for implementation as space structures and the robustness of the particle swarm optimization algorithm, even for multi-objective optimization problems.

中文翻译：

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空间吊臂应用的 2 级张拉整体结构的尺寸和预应力优化

实际工程结构的设计可以受益于优化步骤，其中可以确定各种参数以满足给定的一组要求和约束。空间组件（例如桁架或框架结构）的优化涉及尺寸优化以最小化结构的质量。张拉整体结构的优化更具挑战性，因为还应优化预应力水平。在本文中，使用粒子群优化方法解决了 2 类张拉整体臂的尺寸和预应力优化问题。张拉整体结构的非线性有限元模型和求解方法提供了一个起点。此外，用于具有重复单元的张拉整体结构的连续梁建模技术也很有用。描述了粒子群优化算法，并给出了两个数值例子。第一个示例研究了可展开的 2 级张拉整体吊臂的设计和单目标优化，该吊臂带有加强缆线以最大化弯曲刚度质量比。结果表明，最佳结构能够在刚度质量比方面与最先进的可展开臂架相媲美。第二个示例研究了 2 类张拉整体臂的多目标优化问题。目标函数分别被选择为质量和尖端位移的最小化。目标函数至少部分冲突；因此，获得帕累托最优解来指导未来的设计决策。