A. Kaveh, S.m. Hosseini, K. Biabani Hamedani,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (8-2025)
Abstract
This paper presents the application of the Plasma Generation Optimization (PGO) algorithm to the optimal design of large-scale dome trusses subjected to multiple frequency constraints. Such problems are notoriously challenging due to their highly non-linear and non-convex nature, characterized by numerous local optima. PGO is a physics-inspired metaheuristic that simulates the processes of excitation, de-excitation, and ionization in plasma generation, balancing global exploration and local refinement through its unique search mechanisms. The performance of PGO is evaluated on three well-established dome truss benchmarks: a 52-bar, a 120-bar, and a 600-bar structure, encompassing both sizing and sizing-shape optimization. A comprehensive statistical analysis based on multiple independent runs demonstrates the algorithm's effectiveness and robustness. The results show that PGO achieves the best-reported minimum weight for the 120-bar and 600-bar domes, while obtaining a highly competitive, near-optimal design for the 52-bar dome. Furthermore, PGO consistently produced low average weights across all problems, confirming its reliability. The convergence histories further validate the algorithm's efficiency in locating feasible, high-quality designs. The findings conclusively establish PGO as a powerful and reliable optimizer for handling complex structural optimization problems with dynamic constraints.
