Shape and size optimization of truss structure by means of improved artificial rabbits optimization algorithm

The main aim of this article is to use a new metaheuristic algorithm for the optimum design of truss structures. The artificial rabbits optimization (ARO) algorithm is used, in which rabbits' natural survival strategies, such as detour foraging and random hiding, are considered in developing the main search loop of the algorithm. An improved version, I-ARO, is also proposed, using the diagonal linear uniform (DLU) initialization process instead of conventional random initialization to enhance the overall performance and convergence behaviour of the ARO algorithm. For numerical investigations, five well-known benchmark truss structures with 10, 37, 52, 72 and 120 bars are determined, considering the natural frequencies of the structures as design constraints. I-ARO is shown to be capable of providing better results than the standard ARO and other approaches in the literature. This demonstrates the capability of the DLU initialization method in enhancing the performance of the I-ARO algorithm.