Improved aeroelastic design through structural optimization

The paper presents the idea of coupled multiphysics computations. It shows the concept and presents some preliminary results of static coupling of structural and fluid flow codes as well as biomimetic structural optimization. The model for the biomimetic optimization procedure was the biological phenomenon of trabecular bone functional adaptation. Thus, the presented structural bio-inspired optimization system is based on the principle of constant strain energy density on the surface of the structure. When the aeroelastic reactions are considered, such approach allows fulfilling the mechanical theorem for the stiffest design, comprising the optimizations of size, shape and topology of the internal structure of the wing.

Trabecular bone remodelling simulation considering osteocytic response to fluid-induced shear stress

In bone functional adaptation by remodelling, osteocytes in the lacuno-canalicular system are believed to play important roles in the mechanosensory system. Under dynamic loading, bone matrix deformation generates an interstitial fluid flow in the lacuno-canalicular system; this flow induces shear stress on the osteocytic process membrane that is known to stimulate the osteocytes. In this sense, the osteocytes behave as mechanosensors and deliver mechanical information to neighbouring cells through the intercellular communication network. In this study, bone remodelling is assumed to be regulated by the mechanical signals collected by the osteocytes. From the viewpoint of multi-scale biomechanics, we propose a mathematical model of trabecular bone remodelling that takes into account the osteocytic mechanosensory network system. Based on this model, a computational simulation of trabecular bone remodelling was conducted for a single trabecula under cyclic uniaxial loading, demonstrating functional adaptation to the applied mechanical loading as a load-bearing construct.