Software Module Development for the Parametric Generation of Truss Structure Geometry in a Two-Dimensional Setting

Introduction. Truss structures are widespread in construction due to a number of advantages, such as economy, versatility, and scalability. Accordingly, their modeling and calculation are urgent tasks in the design of building structures. Automatic solution to these problems causes an increase in design efficiency, calculation accuracy, and lower costs. The objective of the study is to examine the functionality and operation algorithm of the software module developed by the authors that generates the geometry of two-dimensional truss structures for subsequent modeling.Materials and Methods. Following the research of the widespread truss configurations, the classification of chords available in the software under consideration is given. The method of parameterizing a truss structure is provided. This method includes base geometric parameters of the structure such as dimensions, model construction rules, and additional features, as well as a comprehensive algorithm. The software is developed in JavaScript.Results. The software module has been integrated into a web application for calculating two-dimensional rod structures. To illustrate the functionality of the software, the examples of user interface are given as well as an example problem. The example includes configuration and calculation of an inclined truss structure. The results, such as support reactions and internal forces with axial force diagram, are provided.Discussion and Conclusions. Using this software module within the framework of the tool for calculating rod structures allows for the simplified process of modeling and calculating complex truss structures, design time, and resource reduction. The software module provides tools for specifying various types of structures, applying loads and assigning properties of a rod system, which makes it a useful instrument for design engineers.

TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION OF LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURES WITH APPLICATION TO BONE SCAFFOLDS AND 3D PRINTED SHOES FOR DIABETICS

An automatic complex topology lightweight structure generation method (ACTLSGM) is presented to automatically generate 3D models of lightweight truss structures with a boundary surface of any shape. The core idea of the ACTLSGM is to use the PIMesh, a mesh generation algorithm developed by the authors, to generate node distributions inside the object representing the boundary surface of the target complex topology structures; raw lightweight truss structures are then generated based on the node distributions; the resulting lightweight truss structure is then created by adjusting the radius of the raw truss structures using an optimization algorithm based on finite element truss analysis. The finite element analysis-based optimization algorithm can ensure the resulting structures satisfy the design requirements on stress distributions or stiffness. Three demos, including a lightweight structure for a cantilever beam, a femur bone scaffold, and a 3D shoe sole model with adaptive stiffness that can be used to adjust foot pressure distributions for patients with diabetic foot problems, are generated to demonstrate the performance of the ACTLSGM. The ACTLSGM is not limited to generating 3D models of medical devices, but can be applied in many other fields, including 3D printing infills and other fields where customized lightweight structures are required.

Usefulness of Digital Serious Games in Engineering for Diverse Undergraduate Students

The use of educational digital games as supplemental tools to course instruction materials has increased over the last several decades and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Though these types of instructional games have been employed in the majority of STEM disciplines, less is known about how diverse populations of students interpret and define the value of these games towards achieving academic and professional pursuits. A mixed-method sequential exploratory research design method that was framed on the Technology Acceptance Model, Game-Based Learning Theory and Expectancy Value Theory was used to examine how 201 students perceived the usefulness of an intuitive education game that was designed to teach engineering mechanics used in designing civil structures. We found that students had different expectations of educational digital games than games designed for entertainment used outside of classroom environments. Several students thought that the ability to design their own structures and observe structure failure in real-time was a valuable asset in understanding how truss structures responded to physical loading conditions. However, few students thought the educational game would be useful for exam (14/26) or job interview (19/26) preparation. Students associated more value with engineering games that illustrate course content and mathematical calculations used in STEM courses than those that do not include these elements.

Conceptual configuration design of line-foldable deployable space truss structures employing graph theory

From the perspective of the truss as a whole, this research investigates the conceptual configuration design for deployable space truss structures that are line-foldable with the help of graph theory. First, the bijection between a truss and its graph model is established. Therefore, operations can be performed based on graph models. Second, by introducing Maxwell’s rule, maximum clique, and chordless cycle, the principle of conceptual configuration synthesis is analyzed. A corresponding procedure is formed and it is verified by a truss with seven nodes. Third, assisted by some theorems of graph theory, the simplified double-color topological graph of deployable space truss structures is acquired and it also displays the procedure with a case. Finally, based on the above analysis, it obtains the optimal conceptual configurations. This novel research lays the foundation for kinematic synthesis and geometric dimension designs.

Calculation and Analysis of Truss Internal Force Based on Beam Element

For plane truss structure, starting from the analysis of ideal truss model, the influence of tangential deformation and angular deformation on the secondary internal force of the truss is fully considered through Python program. It is obtained through analysis that: in the ideal truss model, the Pδ second-order effect causes the member to produce tangential deformation and angular deformation, resulting in secondary internal forces. Numerical analysis shows that due to the influence of secondary internal force, the axial force error of ideal truss model can reach 19.731% and the secondary shear force is almost all the members of the truss, and the secondary moment only appears at the support. The research results have important reference value for the engineering design and high-precision internal force analysis of truss structures.

APPLICATION OF DIGITAL STRUCTURE SIMULATION AS A TOOL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF WIDE SPAN STRUCTURE IDEAS

Review on structure behaviour and visual appearance of a building is needed in generating creativity in the making of an architectural design. The use of any specific structure software will facilitate this in the process. This research aims to prove the effectiveness with which designers can compose alternative forms of architectural appearance through the use of the software. One of the tools in the creative process used in the exploration of 2-dimensional frame structures is DR FRAME. The observations were carried in the Structure and Construction IV Studio at Itenas Architecture Study Program Bandung through a digital simulation using DR. FRAME software demo version. Several students are invited to explore various forms of wide-span truss structures at the level of unified integration. The results through the program execution show various diagrams which can be implemented in the design of the form and the type of structural components. DR.FRAME software enriches ideas in the wide-span structure design which provides an understanding of the relationship between structural behaviour and the appearance of architectural design. The use of other supporting software is supposed to be applied as an alternative search for various structural design ideas for architecture students