Semi-definite programming for topology optimization of trusses under multiple eigenvalue constraints

Topology optimization problem of trusses for specified eigenvalue of vibration is formulated as Semi-Definite Programming (SDP), and an algorithm is presented based on the Semi-Definite Programming Algorithm (SDPA) which utilizes extensively the sparseness of the matrices. Since the sensitivity coefficients of the eigenvalues with respect to the design variables are not needed, the SDPA is especially useful for the case where the optimal design has multiple fundamental eigenvalues, Global and local modes are defined and a procedure is presented for generating optimal topology from the practical point of view. It is shown in the examples, that SDPA has advantage over existing methods in view of computational efficiency and accuracy of the solutions, and an optimal topology with fivefold fundamental eigenvalue is found without any difficulty. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.