The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm developed in recent years is a stochastic optimization algorithm based on swarm intelligence. It possesses advantages such as being a simple concept, ease of implementation and low resource occupation. The PSO algorithm was adopted to solve the problem of size optimization of truss structures with stress and displacement constraints. We present the basic principle of the original PSO algorithm in detail, and then introduce a constriction coefficient to modify it. Moreover, reasonable values of the coefficients are proposed for the modified PSO algorithm. Several classical problems are solved using the modified PSO algorithm, and the results compared with those using traditional optimization algorithms and genetic algorithms. Numerical results show that the modified PSO algorithm has good convergence and stability, and can be applied to the size optimization of truss structures.