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A general boundary approach to the construction of Michell truss structures

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Abstract

The goal of the present study is to provide a building block approach which will enable the synthesis of new Michell truss structure solutions. Curved support boundaries for Michell truss structures are categorized into four types. Each type is graphically illustrated as a simple example structure. A general matrix operator method is developed to solve the layout of each type. Numerical solutions that use the matrix method are compared with analytical solutions in a case study that comprises complimentary logarithmic spirals on a circular arc boundary. To illustrate the applications of this study, numerical layout solutions on a circular support boundary are explored that produce a family of globally-optimal Michell cantilever solutions for the support of a distributed load along a straight cantilever flange.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA

    P. Dewhurst

  2. College of Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA

    N. Fang & S. Srithongchai

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  1. P. Dewhurst
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  2. N. Fang
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  3. S. Srithongchai
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Correspondence to P. Dewhurst.

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Dewhurst, P., Fang, N. & Srithongchai, S. A general boundary approach to the construction of Michell truss structures. Struct Multidisc Optim 39, 373–384 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-008-0341-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-008-0341-5

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