The effect of radius/height ratio on truss optimization

The optimal topology of a Michellʹs truss is being considered as a benchmark problem. It has been observed that this optimal topology is only applicable up to a particular ratio of distance between the loading point to the line joining the supports and the span of the supports. Once the ratio exceeds this critical ratio, the optimum topology of the Michellʹs truss changes. It has been observed from the studies that it is possible to demarcate the region of two different types of optimum topologies by a linear relation. Extending this problem to a 3-D, similar type of observation of different optimum topologies has been observed above and below the critical ratio of height to radius ratio. This critical ratio, similar to a 2-D case, follows almost a linear relation.