Colliding Bodies Optimization method for optimum discrete design of truss structures

•A new meta-heuristic algorithm is presented for discrete optimization of truss structures.•This algorithm is called Colliding Bodies Optimization based on one-dimensional collisions between two bodies.•Four design examples show that the simplicity and performance of the algorithm.

This paper implements the recently developed meta-heuristic algorithm Colliding Bodies Optimization (CBO) for the optimization of truss structures with discrete sizing variables. The CBO algorithm is inspired by the laws of one-dimensional collision. After collision of two moving bodies, with specified mass and velocity, these bodies are separated and move to new positions with new velocities. Colliding bodies correspond to candidate designs. CBO utilizes a simple formulation and does not require parameter tuning. Test problems demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach.