Optimization of the Sandwich Column with the Truss Core Which is Subjected to the Compressive Loading

The sandwich structures have multifold advantages with respect to other types of structures. Besides the architectural possibilities due to their appearance, those structures can carry the same or even higher loads than some other similar structures. Optimization of the sandwich columns with the truss core, subjected to the compressive axial load, is presented in this paper. The two types of optimization were performed: the three-parameter and the four-parameter optimization - the so called full optimization. The optimization of the column geometry (face thickness, core member height and core member diameter and core height) was performed, from the aspect of the minimal weight of the structure in terms of the load index. It was performed for four types of restrictions imposed by the corresponding column failure modes: column buckling, truss macro-buckling, local buckling of the face and face wrinkling. The tree-parameter optimization resulted in somewhat larger weight of the column than the full, four-parameter optimization.