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Article

FORM-FINDING USING OPTIMIZATION-BASED FORCE DENSITY METHOD

M. H. Baqershahi, H. Rahami

Abstract

Force Density Method is a well-known form-finding method for discrete networks that is based on geometrical equilibrium of forces and could be used to design efficient structural forms. The choice of force density distribution along the structure is mostly upon user which in most cases is set be constant, with peripheral members having relatively larger force density to prevent excessive shrinking. In order to direct FDM towards more efficient structures, an optimization strategy can be used to inform the form-finding process by minimizing certain objective function, e.g. weight of the structure. Desired structural, constructional or geometrical constraints can also be incorporated in this framework that otherwise user may not have direct control over. It has been shown that considerable weight reduction is possible compared to uniform force density in the structure while satisfying additional constraints. In this way, form-finding can be augmented and novel structural forms can be designed.

Figures (11)

  • Figure 3. Shape of the structure for constant force densities assigned to all members
    Figure 3. Shape of the structure for constant force densities assigned to all memberspage 6
  • Figure 7. a. 3D view b. plan of forms found for q=1 and q=1.797
    Figure 7. a. 3D view b. plan of forms found for q=1 and q=1.797page 10
  • Figure 8. a. 3d view, b. plan of forms found in example 2
    Figure 8. a. 3d view, b. plan of forms found in example 2page 11
  • Figure 8. a. 3d view, b. plan of forms found in example 2
    Figure 8. a. 3d view, b. plan of forms found in example 2page 11
  • Figure 9. a. 3d view, b. plan of forms found in example 3
    Figure 9. a. 3d view, b. plan of forms found in example 3page 11
  • Figure 1- a. 3d view, b. plan of forms found in example 4 with movement tolerance of 5%
    Figure 1- a. 3d view, b. plan of forms found in example 4 with movement tolerance of 5%page 12
  • Figure 1- a. 3d view, b. plan of forms found in example 4 with movement tolerance of 5%
    Figure 1- a. 3d view, b. plan of forms found in example 4 with movement tolerance of 5%page 12
  • Figure 2- a. 3d view, b. plan of form found in example 4 with movement tolerance of 10%
    Figure 2- a. 3d view, b. plan of form found in example 4 with movement tolerance of 10%page 12
  • Figure 3- a. 3d view, b. plan of form found in example 5 with movement tolerance of 10%
    Figure 3- a. 3d view, b. plan of form found in example 5 with movement tolerance of 10%page 13
  • Figure 3- a. 3d view, b. plan of form found in example 5 with movement tolerance of 10%
    Figure 3- a. 3d view, b. plan of form found in example 5 with movement tolerance of 10%page 13
  • Figure 4. Comparison of the form found in example 4 and 5 in terms of force distribution
    Figure 4. Comparison of the form found in example 4 and 5 in terms of force distributionpage 13

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