Design Tool for Topology Optimization of Self Supporting Variable Density Lattice Structures for Additive Manufacturing

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-36
Author(s):  
Matthew McConaha ◽  
Vysakh Venugopal ◽  
Sam Anand
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Variable Density ◽  
Design Tool ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
Interpolation Scheme ◽  
Void Space ◽  
Lattice Density ◽  
Optimization Methodology

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) allows for the inclusion of complicated geometric features that are impractical or impossible to manufacture by other means. Among such features is the collection of intricate and periodic strut-like geometries known as lattice structures. Lattice structures are desirable for their ability to provide stiffness through a large number of supporting members while employing void space within the geometry as a means to reduce part material volume. Strut thicknesses of every lattice in a part are generally not well optimized in order to maximize part stiffness, and often every lattice unit cell is identical throughout the part. This work presents a lattice density optimization methodology able to find the optimal graded lattice density distribution for maximizing the part stiffness and also improving the additive manufacturability of the part. The material property interpolation scheme used in SIMP optimization is replaced by a representative volume element (RVE)-based interpolation scheme that more accurately captures the material properties of the prescribed lattice structure at an arbitrary density. A filter has been developed that allows for the trimming of unnecessary lattices while simultaneously ensuring that the geometry remains self-supporting during the AM build process. This filter is incorporated seamlessly within the topology optimization routine. This increases the optimality of the resulting design compared to full-domain lattice filling and increases the viability of the design from a manufacturing standpoint compared to unconstrained lattice trimming.

scholarly journals Design of Variable-Density Structures for Additive Manufacturing Using Gyroid Lattices

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Botao Zhang ◽  
Kunal Mhapsekar ◽  
Sam Anand
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Complex Geometry ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Variable Density ◽  
Light Weight ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
Density Mapping ◽  
Usage Cost

Additive manufacturing (AM) processes enable the creation of lattice structures having complex geometry which offer great potential for designing light weight parts. The combination of AM and cellular lattice structures provide promising design solutions in terms of material usage, cost and part weight. However, the geometric complexity of the structures calls for a robust methodology to incorporate the lattices in parts designs and create optimum light weight designs. This paper proposes a novel method for designing light weight variable-density lattice structures using gyroids. The parametric 3D implicit function of gyroids has been used to control the shape and volume fraction of the lattice. The proposed method is then combined with the density distribution information from topology optimization algorithm. A density mapping and interpolation approach is proposed to map the output of topology optimization into the parametric gyroids structures which results in an optimum lightweight lattice structure with uniformly varying densities across the design space. The proposed methodology has been validated with two test cases.

Lattice Structure Design for Additive Manufacturing: Unit Cell Topology Optimization

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley Hanks ◽  
Mary Frecker
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Structure Design ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
Design For Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Structure Topology

Abstract Additive manufacturing is a developing technology that enhances design freedom at multiple length scales, from the macroscale, or bulk geometry, to the mesoscale, such as lattice structures, and even down to tailored microstructure. At the mesoscale, lattice structures are often used to replace solid sections of material and are typically patterned after generic topologies. The mechanical properties and performance of generic unit cell topologies are being explored by many researchers but there is a lack of development of custom lattice structures, optimized for their application, with considerations for design for additive manufacturing. This work proposes a ground structure topology optimization method for systematic unit cell optimization. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the approach. Case Study 1 results in a range of unit cell designs that transition from maximum thermal conductivity to minimization of compliance. Case Study 2 shows the opportunity for constitutive matching of the bulk lattice properties to a target constitutive matrix. Future work will include validation of unit cell modeling, testing of optimized solutions, and further development of the approach through expansion to 3D and refinement of objective, penalty, and constraint functions.

scholarly journals Toward the integration of lattice structure-based topology optimization and additive manufacturing for the design of turbomachinery components

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 168781401985978
Author(s):  
Enrico Boccini ◽  
Rocco Furferi ◽  
Lapo Governi ◽  
Enrico Meli ◽  
Alessandro Ridolfi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
Stiffness Properties ◽  
Maximum Stiffness ◽  
Layer Manufacturing ◽  
Innovative Materials

Used in several industrial fields to create innovative designs, topology optimization is a method to design a structure characterized by maximum stiffness properties and reduced weights. By integrating topology optimization with additive layer manufacturing and, at the same time, by using innovative materials such as lattice structures, it is possible to realize complex three-dimensional geometries unthinkable using traditional subtractive techniques. Surprisingly, the extraordinary potential of topology optimization method (especially when coupled with additive manufacturing and lattice structures) has not yet been extensively developed to study rotating machines. Based on the above considerations, the applicability of topology optimization, additive manufacturing, and lattice structures to the fields of turbomachinery and rotordynamics is here explored. Such techniques are applied to a turbine disk to optimize its performance in terms of resonance and mass reduction. The obtained results are quite encouraging since this approach allows improving existing turbomachinery components’ performance when compared with traditional one.

scholarly journals Optimization Approaches in Design for Additive Manufacturing

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 809-818
Author(s):  
Stefano Rosso ◽  
Gianpaolo Savio ◽  
Federico Uriati ◽  
Roberto Meneghello ◽  
Gianmaria Concheri
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Geometric Modeling ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
Commercial Software ◽  
Lightweight Structure ◽  
Sharp Edges ◽  
Manufacturing Technologies

AbstractNowadays, topology optimization and lattice structures are being re-discovered thanks to Additive Manufacturing technologies, that allow to easily produce parts with complex geometries.The primary aim of this work is to provide an original contribution for geometric modeling of conformal lattice structures for both wireframe and mesh models, improving previously presented methods. The secondary aim is to compare the proposed approaches with commercial software solutions on a piston rod as a case study.The central part of the rod undergoes size optimization of conformal lattice structure beams diameters using the proposed methods, and topology optimization using commercial software tool. The optimized lattice is modeled with a NURBS approach and with the novel mesh approach, while the topologically optimized part is manually remodeled to obtain a proper geometry. Results show that the lattice mesh modelling approach has the best performance, resulting in a lightweight structure with smooth surfaces and without sharp edges at nodes, enhancing mechanical properties and fatigue life.

Topology Optimization for Multi-Material Lattice Structures With Tailorable Material Properties for Additive Manufacturing

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vysakh Venugopal ◽  
Matthew McConaha ◽  
Sam Anand
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Coefficient Of Thermal Expansion ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
High Mechanical Strength ◽  
Unit Cells ◽  
Significant Attention

Abstract Structurally optimized lattices have gained significant attention since the commercialization of additive manufacturing (AM). These lattices, which can be categorized as metamaterials, are used in aviation and aerospace industries due to their capacity to perform well under extreme structural, thermal, or acoustic loading conditions. This research focuses on the design of a unit cell of a multi-material lattice structure using topology optimization to be manufactured using multi-material additive manufacturing processes. The algorithm combined with octant symmetry and support elimination filters yields optimized unit cells with overall reduction in effective coefficient of thermal expansion and thermal conductivity with high mechanical strength. Such unit cells can be used in multi-material additive manufacturing to generate lattice structures with optimized structural and thermal properties.

Optimum design of automobile components using lattice structures for additive manufacturing

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 633-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Büşra Aslan ◽  
Ali Rıza Yıldız
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Optimization Design ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Structure Optimization ◽  
The Finite Element Method ◽  
Special Effect ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
Complex Models ◽  
Automobile Components

Abstract In today’s world, reducing fuel consumption is one of the most important goals for the automotive industry. For this reason, weight reduction is one of the main topics in this research and for various companies. In this research, topology optimization was conducted on a suspension arm as a means of ensuring balance in automobiles. Subsequently, the model, formed by topology optimization was filled with a lattice structure and re-optimized by size optimization to obtain optimum dimensions for the model. These operations are described as lattice structure optimization. Additive manufacturing (3D printer) is necessary to produce complex models (after topology and lattice structure optimization). A static analysis of the new models was conducted by using the finite element method, and the results were compared with those of the initial design of the model. As a result of the comparison, positive results were obtained, and it was shown that topology optimization and lattice structural optimization could be used in the design of vehicle elements. According to the results obtained from lattice structure optimization, design structure can be formed more reliably than via topology optimization. In addition, both configurations and layouts of the cellular structures have a special effect on the overall performance of the lattice structure.

LATTICE STRUCTURE OPTIMIZATION WITH ORIENTATION-DEPENDENT MATERIAL PROPERTIES

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-33
Author(s):  
Conner Sharpe ◽  
Carolyn Seepersad
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Structural Applications ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Advances in additive manufacturing techniques have enabled the production of parts with complex internal geometries. However, the layer-based nature of additive processes often results in mechanical properties that vary based on the orientation of the feature relative to the build plane. Lattice structures have been a popular design application for additive manufacturing due to their potential uses in lightweight structural applications. Many recent works have explored the modeling, design, and fabrication challenges that arise in the multiscale setting of lattice structures. However, there remains a significant challenge in bridging the simplified computational models used in the design process and the more complex properties actually realized in fabrication. This work develops a design approach that captures orientation-dependent material properties that have been observed in metal AM processes while remaining suitable for use in an iterative design process. Exemplar problems are utilized to investigate the potential design changes and performance improvements that can be attained by taking the directional dependence of the manufacturing process into account in the design of lattice structures.

Lattice Structure Optimization With Orientation-Dependent Material Properties

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Conner Sharpe ◽  
Carolyn Conner Seepersad
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Structural Applications ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Advances in additive manufacturing techniques have enabled the production of parts with complex internal geometries. However, the layer-based nature of additive processes often results in mechanical properties that vary based on the orientation of the feature relative to the build plane. Lattice structures have been a popular design application for additive manufacturing due to their potential uses in lightweight structural applications. Many recent works have explored the modeling, design, and fabrication challenges that arise in the multiscale setting of lattice structures. However, there remains a significant challenge in bridging the simplified computational models used in the design process and the more complex properties actually realized in fabrication. This work develops a design approach that captures orientation-dependent material properties that have been observed in metal AM processes while remaining suitable for use in an iterative design process. Exemplar problems are utilized to investigate the potential design changes and performance improvements that can be attained by taking the directional dependence of the manufacturing process into account in the design of lattice structures.

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