FrameDevelopment

FSAE Space-Frame Optimization and Development Software

Optimizes a tubular space-frame for a variety of load cases inputted by the user. The program uses the direct stiffness method to calculate the displacements of frame nodes, as well as the resultant forces in tube members. The displacements at nodes relative to each load case are then used to calculate a "score" for the frame using an objective function. Tube thickness and geometry changes are made at random via a genetic algorithm, and only the frames with the best scores survive for use as the "seed" frames in the next generation.