Applicability and challenges of automated design approaches for thermo-fluid components

This thesis addresses the capabilities and challenges of automated design approaches, specifically for ap-plication in which a combination of heat transfer and flow is needed. The objective is to use automateddesign approaches from literature and to identify the bottlenecks.For this purpose, an industrial thermal-fluid airshower is designed,...

Topologically Optimised Cast Glass Shell: Topological optimisation and new fabrication methods for compressive free-form glass structures

Glass is a material which can be seen as a double-edged sword. Its monolithic, smooth, and transparent look transmits a sense of elegance and simplicity. However, due to its brittle mechanical property, it can create complex engineering challenges when intended for a structural load-bearing application. Many forget glass has a comparable...

Topologically Optimised Cast Glass Grid Shell Nodes: Exploring Topology Optimisation as a design tool for Structural Cast Glass elements with reduced annealing time

Cast glass is a promising structural material that has seen increasing use in the build environment over the last year. It offers a great freedom of shape for designers and engineers, beyond the two-dimensional float glass that is still primarily used. Despite this, cast glass in practice has only been used for solid bricks, mimicking...