scholarly journals Backbone cup – a structure design competition based on topology optimization and 3D printing

Author(s):  
Ji-Hong Zhu ◽  
Kai-Ke Yang ◽  
Wei-Hong Zhang

This paper addresses a structure design competition based on topology optimization and 3D Printing, and proposes an experimental approach to efficiently and quickly measure the mechanical performance of the structures designed using topology optimization. Since the topology optimized structure designs are prone to be geometrically complex, it is extremely inconvenient to fabricate these designs with traditional machining. In this study, we not only fabricated the topology optimized structure designs using one kind of 3D Printing technology known as stereolithography (SLA), but also tested the mechanical performance of the produced prototype parts. The finite element method is used to analyze the structure responses, and the consistent results of the numerical simulations and structure experiments prove the validity of this new structure testing approach. This new approach will not only provide a rapid access to topology optimized structure designs verifying, but also cut the turnaround time of structure design significantly.

Author(s):  
Hui Mei ◽  
Yuanfu Tan ◽  
Weizhao Huang ◽  
Peng Chang ◽  
Yuntian Fan ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 84 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Liu ◽  
Zongliang Du ◽  
Weisheng Zhang ◽  
Yichao Zhu ◽  
Xu Guo

In the present work, a new approach for designing graded lattice structures is developed under the moving morphable components/voids (MMC/MMV) topology optimization framework. The essential idea is to make a coordinate perturbation to the topology description functions (TDF) that are employed for the description of component/void geometries in the design domain. Then, the optimal graded structure design can be obtained by optimizing the coefficients in the perturbed basis functions. Our numerical examples show that the proposed approach enables a concurrent optimization of both the primitive cell and the graded material distribution in a straightforward and computationally effective way. Moreover, the proposed approach also shows its potential in finding the optimal configuration of complex graded lattice structures with a very small number of design variables employed under various loading conditions and coordinate systems.


Author(s):  
Xin Jin ◽  
Guo-Xi Li ◽  
Meng Zhang

Topology optimization and cellular structure infilling are two important approaches to achieve a lightweight design while meeting the relevant mechanical property requirements. In this work, we present a density-variable cellular structure design method combined with topology optimization while ensuring the manufacturability. The effective mechanical properties are reported as functions of the relative density to combine cellular structures with the topology optimization model. The manufacturing constraints are analyzed and expressed in topology optimization. In addition, density-variable cellular structures are rapidly modeled by mapping the topology optimization results to the relative densities of cells and via the use of user-defined features. It is shown by means of finite element analysis that the proposed design approach can improve the mechanical performance compared to the uniform cellular structure under the same weight reduction. And the choice of cell size for higher stiffness of the designed structure varies with different values of manufacturing constraints.


2014 ◽  
Vol 118 (1202) ◽  
pp. 383-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Ren ◽  
J. Xiang

AbstractTo improve the crashworthiness of civil aircraft, the design concept of energy absorption structure for civil aircraft is investigated. Two typical different design principles could be identified. The first category includes Helicopter and Light fixed-wing Aircraft (HLA), and Transport, Mid-size and Commuter type Aircraft (TMCA) are classified into the second group. Frame, strut and bottom structure are the three kinds of energy absorption structure for TMCA. The strut layout of conventional civil aircraft is studied and some energy absorption devices are adopted. High efficiency energy absorption structures such as the foam and sine-wave beam are employed as the bottom structure for both of HLA and LMCA. The finite element method is used to analyse and design energy absorption structure in aircraft crashworthiness problem. Results show that the crashworthiness of civil aircraft could be largely improved by using proper strut layout and excellent energy absorption device. The stiffness combination of frame and strut should be considered to get better global aircraft deformation. Supporting platform and failure model are the two core problems of bottom energy absorption structure design. Foam and sine-wave beam under the lifted frame could improve the crashworthiness of civil aircraft.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1482-1492
Author(s):  
Tong Wu ◽  
Andres Tovar

Purpose This paper aims to establish a multiscale topology optimization method for the optimal design of non-periodic, self-supporting cellular structures subjected to thermo-mechanical loads. The result is a hierarchically complex design that is thermally efficient, mechanically stable and suitable for additive manufacturing (AM). Design/methodology/approach The proposed method seeks to maximize thermo-mechanical performance at the macroscale in a conceptual design while obtaining maximum shear modulus for each unit cell at the mesoscale. Then, the macroscale performance is re-estimated, and the mesoscale design is updated until the macroscale performance is satisfied. Findings A two-dimensional Messerschmitt Bolkow Bolhm (MBB) beam withstanding thermo-mechanical load is presented to illustrate the proposed design method. Furthermore, the method is implemented to optimize a three-dimensional injection mold, which is successfully prototyped using 420 stainless steel infiltrated with bronze. Originality/value By developing a computationally efficient and manufacturing friendly inverse homogenization approach, the novel multiscale design could generate porous molds which can save up to 30 per cent material compared to their solid counterpart without decreasing thermo-mechanical performance. Practical implications This study is a useful tool for the designer in molding industries to reduce the cost of the injection mold and take full advantage of AM.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (23) ◽  
pp. 8594
Author(s):  
Paweł Komorowski ◽  
Mateusz Surma ◽  
Michał Walczakowski ◽  
Przemysław Zagrajek ◽  
Agnieszka Siemion

Medical and many other applications require small-volume setups enabling terahertz imaging. Therefore, we aim to develop a device for the in-reflection examination of the samples. Thus, in this article, we focus on the diffractive elements for efficient redirection and focusing of the THz radiation. A terahertz diffractive optical structure has been designed, optimized, manufactured (using extrusion-based 3D printing) and tested. Two manufacturing methods have been used—direct printing of the structures from PA12, and casting of the paraffin structures out of 3D-printed molds. Also, the limitations of the off-axis focusing have been discussed. To increase the efficiency, an iterative algorithm has been proposed that optimizes off-axis structures to focus the radiation into small focal spots located far from the optical axis, at an angle of more than 30 degrees. Moreover, the application of higher-order kinoform structure design allowed the maintaining of the smallest details of the manufactured optical element, using 3D printing techniques.


2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Aurélio Carino Bouzada

The objective of this paper is to establish a dichotomy - opposing analytical methods (such as Queue Theory) to experimental methods (such as Simulation) and discussing their adequateness to complex operations - set up in the matter of dimensioning the handling capacity of a large brazilian call centers company. The literature related to the application of such methods at call centers is reviewed, and the way the question is treated nowadays by the company is described. Then an experimental approach is suggested to be implemented as an alternative methodology to deal with the issue, instead of the analytical method in use. The results obtained are used to justify the adequacy of the experimental approach to the modern call centers operation, as long as it is possible to have the model closer to reality. The main implication points to a better understanding of the operation achieved with the new approach


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