scholarly journals Multi-axis 3D printing of material reduced shell structures on a reconfigurable supporting system using topology optimization principles

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 379-386
Author(s):  
Odysseas Kontovourkis ◽  
Marios C. Phocas ◽  
George Tryfonos ◽  
Christos Georgiou
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Shell Structures ◽  
Supporting System

scholarly journals Shell-supported footbridges

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-214
Author(s):  
Luigi Fenu ◽  
Eleonora Congiu ◽  
Giuseppe Carlo Marano ◽  
Bruno Briseghella
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Shell Structures ◽  
Form Finding ◽  
Fundamental Research ◽  
Spring System ◽  
Earthquake Action ◽  
Concrete Shell ◽  
Concrete Shells ◽  
Thrust Network Analysis

AbstractArchitects and engineers have been always attracted by concrete shell structures due to their high efficiency and plastic shapes. In this paper the possibility to use concrete shells to support footbridges is explored. Starting from Musmeci’s fundamental research and work in shell bridge design, the use of numerical form-finding methods is analysed. The form-finding of a shell-supported footbridge shaped following Musmeci’s work is first introduced. Coupling Musmeci’s and Nervi’s experiences, an easy construction method using a stay-in-place ferrocement formwork is proposed. Moreover, the advantage of inserting holes in the shell through topology optimization to remove less exploited concrete has been considered. Curved shell-supported footbridges have been also studied, and the possibility of supporting the deck with the shell top edge, that is along a single curve only, has been investigated. The form-finding of curved shell-supported footbridges has been performed using a Particle-Spring System and Thrust Network Analysis. Finally, the form-finding of curved shell-supported footbridges subjected to both vertical and horizontal forces (i.e. earthquake action) has been implemented.

Developing a Cost-Effective and Functional Prosthetic Foot for Below Knee Amputees Using Topology Optimization and 3D Printing

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hisham Kamel ◽  
Omar Harraz ◽  
Tamer Attia
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Metabolic Energy ◽  
Release Mechanism ◽  
Normal Person ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Prosthetic Foot ◽  
Human Foot

Abstract This paper presents the results of an investigative study on the development of an affordable and functional prosthetic foot for below knee amputees. A prototype was successfully manufactured using 3D printing technology. This continuously evolving technology enables the rapid production of prosthetics that are individually customized for each patient. Our prototype was developed after conducting a topology optimization study that interestingly converged to the shape of the biological human foot. Afterwards, a design was envisioned where a simple energy storage and release mechanism was implemented to replace the Achilles tendon, which minimizes the metabolic energy cost of walking. Our mechanism can successfully manage 70% of the energy compared to a normal person during each walking step. A finite element (FE) model of the prosthetic was developed and validated using experimental tests. Then, this FE model was used to confirm the safe operation of the prosthetic through simulating different loading scenarios according to the ISO standard. Our study clearly showed that customizable prosthetics could be produced at a fraction 1/60 of the cost of the commercially sold ones.

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

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. A1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji-Hong Zhu ◽  
Kai-Ke Yang ◽  
Wei-Hong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Structure Design ◽  
The Finite Element Method ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Design Competition ◽  
Testing Approach

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.

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