Towards Multiscale Topology Optimization for Additively Manufactured Components Using Implicit Slicing

Author(s):  
John C. Steuben ◽  
Athanasios P. Iliopoulos ◽  
John G. Michopoulos

Additive Manufacturing (AM) encompasses a set of fabrication technologies that are being used with increasing frequency in a wide variety of scientific and industrial pursuits. These technologies, which operate by successive additions of material to a domain, enable the manufacture of highly complex geometries that would otherwise be unrealizable. However, the material micro and meso-structures generated by AM processes differ remarkably from those that arise from conventional techniques and occasionally introduce unwanted functional features; this has been an obstacle to the use of AM in some applications. In the present work, we propose a multiscale method that utilizes the unique meso-scale structuring capabilities of implicit slicers for AM, in conjunction with existing topology optimization tools for the macro-scale, in order to generate functional components. The use of this method is demonstrated on the example of a hand tool. We discuss the applications of this methodology, its current limitations, and the future work required to enable its widespread use.

Author(s):  
John C. Steuben ◽  
Athanasios P. Iliopoulos ◽  
John G. Michopoulos

The precise control of mass and energy deposition associated with additive manufacturing (AM) processes enables the topological specification and realization of how space can be filled by material in multiple scales. Consequently, AM can be pursued in a manner that is optimized such that fabricated objects can best realize performance specifications. In the present work, we propose a computational multiscale method that utilizes the unique meso-scale structuring capabilities of implicit slicers for AM, in conjunction with existing topology optimization (TO) tools for the macro-scale, in order to generate structurally optimized components. The use of this method is demonstrated on two example objects including a load bearing bracket and a hand tool. This paper also includes discussion concerning the applications of this methodology, its current limitations, a recasting of the AM digital thread, and the future work required to enable its widespread use.


Author(s):  
John C. Steuben ◽  
John G. Michopoulos ◽  
Athanasios P. Iliopoulos ◽  
Andrew J. Birnbaum

The freedom of design that is afforded by Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes opens exciting possibilities for the production of lightweight, high performance components and structures. Consequently, in recent years the development of software tools to enable engineering design methods that exploit the unique features of AM has become a subject of increased research interest. In this paper we explore the use of Topology Optimization (TO) algorithms to tailor component shape in order to achieve the intended functionality of additively manufactured components at the macro length scale. We present two case studies: the first concerns the hierarchical nesting of functions in a hand tool, while the second covers the development of a metamaterial component substructure for an Uninhabited Underwater Vehicle (UUV) hull. We offer conclusions regarding the usefulness of TO techniques for the design of AM components, and a summary of future work, which we feel is necessary to improve such methodologies.


Author(s):  
Gaurav Ameta ◽  
Paul Witherell ◽  
Shawn Moylan ◽  
Robert Lipman

Additive manufacturing (AM) has gained increased attention in the last decade as a versatile manufacturing process for customized products. AM processes can create complex free-form shapes, introducing features such as internal cavities and lattices. These complex geometries are either not feasible or very costly with traditional manufacturing processes. This creates new challenges in maintaining and communicating dimensional and geometric accuracy of parts produced. In order to manufacture a product that meets functional needs, the specification of those needs through geometry, material and tolerances is necessary. This paper surveys the current state and needs of geometry related accuracy specification mechanisms for AM, including a review of specification standards such as ASME Y14.5 and ISO 1101. Emerging AM-related tolerancing challenges are identified, and a potential plan of action is put forth for addressing those challenges. Various issues highlighted in this paper are classified as (a) AM-driven specification issues and (b) specification issues highlighted by the versatility of AM processes. AM-driven specification issues include build direction, layer thickness, support structure related specification, and scan/track direction. Specification issues highlighted by the versatility of AM processes include, region-based tolerances for complex freeform surfaces, tolerancing internal functional features, tolerancing lattice and infills. Basic methods of solving these specification issues are also highlighted.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naresh Thadhani ◽  
Arun Gokhale ◽  
Jason Quenneville ◽  
Jennifer Breidenich ◽  
Manny Gonzales ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Paul Witherell ◽  
Shaw Feng ◽  
Timothy W. Simpson ◽  
David B. Saint John ◽  
Pan Michaleris ◽  
...  

In this paper, we advocate for a more harmonized approach to model development for additive manufacturing (AM) processes, through classification and metamodeling that will support AM process model composability, reusability, and integration. We review several types of AM process models and use the direct metal powder bed fusion AM process to provide illustrative examples of the proposed classification and metamodel approach. We describe how a coordinated approach can be used to extend modeling capabilities by promoting model composability. As part of future work, a framework is envisioned to realize a more coherent strategy for model development and deployment.


2010 ◽  
Vol 160-162 ◽  
pp. 1211-1216
Author(s):  
Zhuang Liu ◽  
Xiao Qing Wu

The impregnation stage of the Resin Transfer Moulding process can be simulated by solving the Darcy equations on a mould model, with a ‘macro-scale’ finite element method. For every element, a local ‘meso-scale’ permeability must be determined, taking into account the local deformation of the textile reinforcement. This paper demonstrates that the meso-scale permeability can be computed efficiently and accurately by using meso-scale simulation tools. We discuss the speed and accuracy requirements dictated by the macro-scale simulations. We show that these requirements can be achieved for two meso-scale simulators, coupled with a geometrical textile reinforcement modeller. The first solver is based on a finite difference discretisation of the Stokes equations, the second uses an approximate model, based on a 2D simulation of the flow.


Author(s):  
John C. Steuben ◽  
Athanasios P. Iliopoulos ◽  
John G. Michopoulos

Recent years have seen a sharp increase in the development and usage of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies for a broad range of scientific and industrial purposes. The drastic microstructural differences between materials produced via AM and conventional methods has motivated the development of computational tools that model and simulate AM processes in order to facilitate their control for the purpose of optimizing the desired outcomes. This paper discusses recent advances in the continuing development of the Multiphysics Discrete Element Method (MDEM) for the simulation of AM processes. This particle-based method elegantly encapsulates the relevant physics of powder-based AM processes. In particular, the enrichment of the underlying constitutive behaviors to include thermoplasticity is discussed, as are methodologies for modeling the melting and re-solidification of the feedstock materials. Algorithmic improvements that increase computational performance are also discussed. The MDEM is demonstrated to enable the simulation of the additive manufacture of macro-scale components. Concluding remarks are given on the tasks required for the future development of the MDEM, and the topic of experimental validation is also discussed.


2012 ◽  
Vol 109 (7) ◽  
pp. 1844-1854 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Youssef ◽  
J.J. Mack ◽  
M.L. Iruela-Arispe ◽  
L.-S. Bouchard

Author(s):  
Feihu Zhao ◽  
Yi Xiong ◽  
Keita Ito ◽  
Bert van Rietbergen ◽  
Sandra Hofmann

Mechanobiology research is for understanding the role of mechanics in cell physiology and pathology. It will have implications for studying bone physiology and pathology and to guide the strategy for regenerating both the structural and functional features of bone. Mechanobiological studies in vitro apply a dynamic micro-mechanical environment to cells via bioreactors. Porous scaffolds are commonly used for housing the cells in a three-dimensional (3D) culturing environment. Such scaffolds usually have different pore geometries (e.g. with different pore shapes, pore dimensions and porosities). These pore geometries can affect the internal micro-mechanical environment that the cells experience when loaded in the bioreactor. Therefore, to adjust the applied micro-mechanical environment on cells, researchers can tune either the applied load and/or the design of the scaffold pore geometries. This review will provide information on how the micro-mechanical environment (e.g. fluid-induced wall shear stress and mechanical strain) is affected by various scaffold pore geometries within different bioreactors. It shall allow researchers to estimate/quantify the micro-mechanical environment according to the already known pore geometry information, or to find a suitable pore geometry according to the desirable micro-mechanical environment to be applied. Finally, as future work, artificial intelligent – assisted techniques, which can achieve an automatic design of solid porous scaffold geometry for tuning/optimising the micro-mechanical environment are suggested.


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