Critical buckling load optimization of the axially graded layered uniform columns

This study presents critical buckling load optimization of the axially graded layered uniform columns. In the first place, characteristic equations for the critical buckling loads for all boundary conditions are obtained using the transfer matrix method. Then, for each case, square of this equation is taken as a fitness function together with constraints. Due to explicitly unavailable objective function for the critical buckling loads as a function of segment length and volume fraction of the materials, especially for the column structures with higher segment numbers, initially, prescribed value is assumed for it and then the design variables satisfying constraints are searched using Differential Evolution (DE) optimization method coupled with eigen-value routine. For constraint handling, Exterior Penalty Function formulation is adapted to the optimization cycle. Different boundary conditions are considered. The results reveal that maximum increments in the critical buckling loads are attained about 20% for cantilevered and pinned-pinned end conditions and 18% for clamped-clamped case. Finally, the strongest column structure configurations will be determined. The scientific and statistical results confirmed efficiency, reliability and robustness of the Differential Evolution optimization method and it can be used in the similar problems which especially include transcendental functions.