Optimum size of a ground-based cylindrical liquid storage tank under stability and strength constraints using imperialist competitive algorithm

Steel cylindrical tank is one of the most common forms of liquid storage vessels. In this study the Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) is used to find the optimum size of a ground based cylindrical liquid storage tank that is supported at both ends and the design considerations are stability and strength constraints. In this study total internal pressure and total special pressure are assumed as two types of load. The optimization procedure is formulated with the objective to minimize the mass of the tank due to the allowable capacity of cylindrical tank