Bridging the gap between mathematical optimization and structural engineering: Design, experiments and numerical simulation of optimized concrete girders

Concrete, as the most widely used construction material, is associated with a high environmental impact. Within the present study, structural optimization is the method of choice to counter this issue. The entire process, from optimization, to design, experiments and numerical simulation is outlined. Embedded in the framework of a design...

Holistic computational design within additive manufacturing through topology optimization combined with multiphysics multi-scale materials and process modelling

Additive manufacturing (AM) processes have proven to be a perfect match for topology optimization (TO), as they are able to realize sophisticated geometries in a unique layer-by-layer manner. From a manufacturing viewpoint, however, there is a significant likelihood of process-related defects within complex geometrical features designed by TO...

Optimization-based strut-and-tie model generation for reinforced concrete structures under multiple load conditions

Strut-and-Tie modelling (STM) has been widely applied to design D-regions of reinforced concrete structures. For economic and environmental reasons there is a need for optimized Strut-and-Tie models. How to optimize Strut-and-Tie models considering multiple load combinations has not been investigated extensively in the literature. In order to...

On topology optimization of design-dependent pressure-loaded three-dimensional structures and compliant mechanisms: + Erratum

This article presents a density-based topology optimization method for designing three-dimensional (3D) compliant mechanisms (CMs) and loadbearing structures with design-dependent pressure loading. Instead of interface-tracking techniques, the Darcy law in conjunction with a drainage term is employed to obtain pressure field as a function of...

Automated optimization-based generation and quantitative evaluation of Strut-and-Tie models

Strut-and-Tie modelling (STM) is a well-known approach to design D-regions in reinforced concrete structures. Because the STM method is based on lower-bound analysis, finding a suitable truss-analogy model is the most important aspect to guarantee good structural and economic performance of a resulting design. Continuum topology optimization ...

Topology optimization of fluidic pressure-loaded structures and compliant mechanisms using the Darcy method

In various applications, design problems involving structures and compliant mechanisms experience fluidic pressure loads. During topology optimization of such design problems, these loads adapt their direction and location with the evolution of the design, which poses various challenges. A new density-based topology optimization approach...

Integrated component-support topology optimization for additive manufacturing with post-machining

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to communicate a method to perform simultaneous topology optimization of component and support structures considering typical metal additive manufacturing (AM) restrictions and post-print machining requirements. Design/methodology/approach: An integrated topology optimization is proposed using two density...

Compliant Fluidic Control Structures: Concept and synthesis approach

The concept and synthesis approach for planar Compliant Fluidic Control Structures (CFCSs), monolithic flexible continua with embedded functional pores, is presented in this manuscript. Such structures are envisioned to find application in biomedicine as tunable microfluidic devices for drug/nutrient delivery. The functional pores enlarge and...

Combined optimization of part topology, support structure layout and build orientation for additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the fabrication of parts of unprecedented complexity. Dedicated topology optimization approaches, that account for specific AM restrictions, are instrumental in fully exploiting this capability. In popular powder-bed-based AM processes, the critical overhang angle of downward facing surfaces limits...

Topology optimization of multicomponent optomechanical systems for improved optical performance

The stringent and conflicting requirements imposed on optomechanical instruments and the ever-increasing need for higher resolution and quality imagery demands a tightly integrated system design approach. Our aim is to drive the thermomechanical design of multiple components through the optical performance of the complete system. To this end,...

An additive manufacturing filter for topology optimization of print-ready designs

Additive manufacturing (AM) offers exciting opportunities to manufacture parts of unprecedented complexity. Topology optimization is essential to fully exploit this capability. However, AM processes have specific limitations as well. When these are not considered during design optimization, modifications are generally needed in post...

Bounds for decoupled design and analysis discretizations in topology optimization

Topology optimization formulations using multiple design variables per finite element have been proposed to improve the design resolution. This paper discusses the relation between the number of design variables per element and the order of the elements used for analysis. We derive that beyond a maximum number of design variables, certain sets...

Topology optimization for submerged buoyant structures

This paper presents an evolutionary structural topology optimization method for the design of completely submerged buoyant modules with design-dependent fluid pressure loading. This type of structure is used to support offshore rig installation and pipeline transportation at all water depths. The proposed optimization method seeks to identify...

Topology optimization for additive manufacturing with controllable support structure costs

Advances in additive manufacturing (AM) allow economical production of components with unprecedented geometric complexity. This offers exciting opportunities for innovative designs, and particularly topology optimization has been identified as a key technique to fully exploit the capabilities of AM. However, also AM involves manufacturing...

Topology Optimization including Inequality Buoyancy Constraints

This paper presents an evolutionary topology optimization method for applications in design of completely submerged buoyant devices with design-dependent fluid pressure loading. This type of structures aid rig installations and pipeline transportation in all water depths in offshore structural engineering. The proposed optimization method seeks...