The truss design optimization aimed to maximize load-carrying capacity while satisfying all EK301 structural constraints for a 32-inch span balsa truss. The primary objectives were:
• Maximizing predicted failure load under a single point load applied 2 inches above the support line
• Ensuring all 11 members remained within the 8.5–14 inch length constraint
• Maintaining total member length under the 120-inch material budget
Secondary objectives included maximizing material budget utilization, minimizing member force concentrations in compression-critical diagonals, and producing a geometry that was physically buildable with reliable joint construction. This multi-objective optimization required balancing force distribution, buckling capacity, and geometric feasibility across a 10-dimensional design space with coupled constraints.
Project Complete
Genetic algorithm explored 39,280 candidate designs over 217 generations. Final geometry predicted a failure load of 56.20 ± 4.45 oz (3.51 lb), exceeding the 32 oz minimum by 76% with 97.7% material utilization. The optimizer discovered an asymmetric load point at 75% span and a shallow top-chord arch peaking at 11.22 inches, geometric features that would have been impractical to find through manual iteration.
