Structural optimization using the cross-entropy method

Abstract

This work aims to evaluate the efficiency and robustness of the cross-entropy (CE) method in the context of structural optimization. A two-dimensional truss subject to vertical loads is used as a benchmark test, where one seeks to minimize the structure weight, respecting a structural integrity criterion. The optimal results obtained via CE are compared with reference solutions, obtained via sequential quadratic programming and genetic algorithm. Numerical experiments demonstrate that CE offers a solution or structural optimization that can be very competitive in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency.