Abstract An algorithm for calculating elastic rod systems under the action of impulse loads, using a complex model of internal friction in the material, has been developed and implemented in software. Very short (instantaneous) and extended in time impulses are considered as variants of impulse action. The importance of taking into account the vibration energy dissipation due to internal friction in the material of the structure is shown, considering impulse effects. The implemented software module is used to calculate the dynamic responses of the system in the search for the optimal solution of the control program for the selected variable parameters, target and restrictive functions. The problem of optimizing a flat frame system loaded with static and impulse loads has been posed and solved. An algorithm for finding an optimal solution is considered. Variants of dividing variable parameters into generalized groups are discussed. The minimum volume of material, spent on the structure, is taken as an optimality criterion. Analysis of the influence of the pulse duration of a given value on the calculation results without and with internal friction, as well as a comparative analysis of the optimal designs obtained without and with internal friction in the material and various tolerances for horizontal displacements. The results obtained indicate a significant effect of internal friction on the characteristics of the optimal design, especially with active movement restrictions.