A morphogenesis method for shape optimization of framed structures subject to spatial constraints

•A morphogenesis method is proposed for framed structures subject to spatial constraints.•It combines direct element addition/ elimination and nodal adjustment.•Several examples are presented to illustrate the availability of this method.

A morphogenesis method is proposed for the topology and shape optimization of framed structures subject to spatial constraints. This combines direct elemental addition, or elimination, and free nodal shift, or restricted nodal shift related to the structures geometry. The optimization is based on elemental and nodal sensitivity information to generate or amend the structural topology and adjust the nodal positions to achieve a structure with minimum strain energy. In this method, the design parameters, such as supporting conditions, spatial constraints, etc, have significant influence on the final structural form; so various structural forms can be obtained by changing these design parameters in the project design phase. Several numerical examples are provided to illustrate the validity of this method and the mechanical behaviour of these structures. Results show that this can effectively reduce the structural bending moments and ensure sufficient structural stiffness.