A hybrid framework integrating classical computers and quantum annealers for optimisation of truss structures

This work proposes a hybrid framework combining classical computers with quantum annealers for structural optimisation. At each optimisation iteration of an iterative process, two minimisation problems are formulated, one for the underlying mechanical boundary value problem through the minimisation of the potential energy principle and one to update the design variables. Our hybrid approach leverages the strength of quantum computing to solve these two minimisation problems at each step, thanks to the developed quantum annealing-assisted sequential programming strategy introduced in our previous research. The applicability of the proposed framework is demonstrated through several case studies of truss optimisation, highlighting its capability to perform optimisation with quantum computers. This framework offers a promising direction for future structural optimisation applications, particularly in scenarios where the quantum computer could resolve the size limitations of classical computers due to problem complexities.