Dynamic topology optimization based on ant colony optimization

Abstract

A modified ant colony optimization algorithm implementing a new definition of pheromone and a new cooperation mechanism between ants is presented in this paper. The study aims at improving the suitability and computational efficiency of the ant colony optimization algorithm in dynamic topology optimization problems. The natural frequencies of the structure must be maximized yet satisfying a constraint on the final volume. Optimization results obtained in three test cases indicate that modified ACO is more efficient and robust than ACO in solving dynamic topology optimization problems.