Computation of topological sensitivities in fluid dynamics: Cost function versatility

Topology optimization of fluid dynamical systems is still in its infancy, with its first academic realizations dating back to as late as three years ago. In this paper, we present two approaches to fluid dynamic topology optimization that are based on potential flows and adjoint states, respectively. Special emphasis is paid to the computation...

Design of micro-fluidic bio-reactors

We address the design of optimal reactors for supporting biological cultures using the method of topology optimization. For some years this method have been used to design various optimal microfluidic devices [1, 2, 3, 4]. We apply this method to distribute optimally biologic cultures within a flow of nutrition. From this optimized distribution...

Design optimization of shape memory alloy active structures using the R-phase transformation

This article illustrates the opportunities that combining computational modeling and systematic design optimization techniques offer to facilitate the design process of shape memory alloy (SMA) structures. Focus is on shape memory behavior due to the R-phase transformation in Ni-Ti, for which a dedicated constitutive model is formulated. In this...

Design and fabrication of topologically optimized structures; an integral approach, a close coupling form generation and fabrication

Integral structural optimization and fabrication seeks the synthesis of two original approaches; that of topological optimization (TO) and robotic hotwire cutting (HWC) (Mcgee 2011). TO allows for the reduction of up to 70% of the volume of concrete to support a given structure (Sondergaard & Dombernowsky 2011). A strength of the method is that...

Performance Driven Design and Design Information Exchange: Establishing a computational design methodology for parametric and performance-driven design of structures via topology optimization for rough structurally informed design models

This paper presents a performance driven computational design methodology through introducing a case on parametric structural design. The paper describes the process of design technology development and frames a design methodology through which engineering, -in this case structural- aspects of architectural design could become more...

Performance Driven Design and Design Information Exchange

This paper presents a performance driven computational design methodology through introducing a case on parametric structural design. The paper describes the process of design technology development and frames a design methodology through which engineering, -in this case structural- aspects of architectural design could become more...

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...

Topology optimization of a transient thermo-mechanical problem using material penalization

Designing transient thermal mechanical systems is a challenging task. Material can have many different functions: it can provide heat capacity, heat conduction, mechanical stiffness or even function as an actuator. Topology optimization can provide the engineer with valuable insight on such a problem. One of the most popular topology...

Topology optimization considering design-dependent Stokes flow loads

This article presents an evolutionary topology optimization method for mean compliance minimization of structures under design-dependent viscous fluid flow loads. The structural domain is governed by the elasticity equation and the fluid by the incompressible Stokes flow equations. When the modelling of a system consists in the interaction of...

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...

High-precision motion system design by topology optimization considering additive manufacturing

In the design process of high-precision motion stages, the dynamic behavior is of paramount importance. Manual design of such a stage is a time-consuming process, involving many iterations between engineers responsible for mechanics, dynamics and control. By using topology optimization in combination with additive manufacturing, post...

Topologically optimized structural glass megaliths: Potential, challenges and guidelines for stretching the mass limits of structural cast glass

This paper introduces the use of structural topology optimization (TO) as a new design approach that enables the creation of monolithic load-bearing cast glass components of substantial dimensions with significantly reduced annealing times, rendering such components viable in terms of manufacturing. Using topology optimization, the glass mass...

Topology Optimization of Fluidic Pressure-Driven Multi-Material Compliant Mechanisms

Compliant mechanisms actuated by pneumatic loads are receiving increasing attention due to their direct applicability as soft robots that perform tasks using their flexible bodies. Using multiple materials to build them can further improve their performance and efficiency. Due to developments in additive manufacturing, the fabrication of...

Minimum Mass Cast Glass Structures Under Performance and Manufacturability Constraints

This work develops a computational method that produces algorithmically generated design forms, able to overcome inherent challenges related to the use of cast glass for the creation of monolithic structural components with light permeability. Structural Topology Optimization (TO) has a novel applicability potential, as decreased mass is...