Surface Topology Optimization of Water Tanks Using Genetic Algorithm

The purpose of this work is to explore the possibility of utilizing Genetic Algorithm in optimizing the surface topology of water tanks. The surface characteristics of a corrugated tank are tested on a small element on its circumference. A mathematical equation to represent most practical corrugated surfaces is developed using the Coons surface with trigonometric series curves. The parameters of this mathematical equation are used to describe the chromosome for different surfaces. A multi-objective fitness function incorporating the performance of a surface and the manufacturing cost associated with that surface is developed, which uses finite element analysis to determine the performance of each surface. Considerable better corrugations, compared to those normally used, were found.