This paper proposes a modified sine cosine algorithm (MSCA) for discrete sizing optimization of truss structures. The original sine cosine algorithm (SCA) is a population-based metaheuristic that fluctuates the search agents about the best solution based on sine and cosine functions. The efficiency of the original SCA in solving standard optimization problems of well-known mathematical functions has been demonstrated in literature. However, its performance in tackling the discrete optimization problems of truss structures is not competitive compared with the existing metaheuristic algorithms. In the framework of the proposed MSCA, a number of worst solutions of the current population is replaced by some variants of the global best solution found so far. Moreover, an efficient mutation operator is added to the algorithm that reduces the probability of getting stuck in local optima. The efficiency of the proposed MSCA is illustrated through multiple benchmark optimization problems of truss structures.

Keywords: discrete optimization, sizing optimization, truss structures, metaheuristic, sine cosine algorithm.

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