Natural Forest Regeneration Algorithm for Optimum Design of Truss Structures with Continuous and Discrete Variables

In  this  paper  the  recently  developed  nature  inspired  metaheuristic algorithm is utilized for optimum design of truss structures with continuous and discrete variables.  This algorithm is inspired  by  the  natural  process  happening  in  the  forests  with the  rapidly  change  of  environment  and  their  natural  regeneration.   Based  on  this  process  a  simple  powerful  optimization technique is introduced so-called Natural Forest Regeneration (NFR).  Some  well-studied  benchmark  structural  problems  are investigated with both continuous and discrete sizing variables and the results of the NRF are compared to those of some previously developed algorithms