Application of the smooth evolutionary structural optimization method combined with a multi-criteria decision procedure

Topological Optimization (TO) of a structure with elastic-linear behavior considering a multi-objective problem is the goal of this work. For this process, an evolutionary heuristic formulation denominated SESO (Smoothing Evolutionary Structural Optimization) in conjunction with a finite element method was applied. In order to find the best topology, the authors choose to use the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which provides a simple but theoretically sound multiple-criteria methodology for evaluating alternatives. Together with the Weighted Sum Method (WSM), which is considering one of the best and simplest multi-criteria decision analyses or multi-criteria decision making method for evaluating a number of alternatives in terms of a number of decision criteria, this work aims to show the best topology among an interactive process focusing on four parameters: volume, displacement, stress and performance index. Some numerical examples are presented in order to show how the topological optimization process works and as such, to demonstrate the advantages of combining SESO, AHP and WSM as a structural optimization method.