An Evolutionary approach to microstructure optimisation of stereolithographic models.

Abstract- The aim of this work is to utilize an evolutationary algorithm to evolve the microstructure of an object created by a stereolithography machine. This should be optimised to be able to withstand loads applied to it while at the same time minimizing its overall weight. A two part algorithm is proposed which evolves the topology of the structure with a genetic algorithm, while calculating the details of the shape with a separate, deterministic, iterative process derived from standard principles of structural engineering. The division of the method into two separate processes allows both flexibility to changed design parameters without the need for re-evolution, and scalability of the microstructure to manufacture objects of increasing size. The results show that a structure was evolved that was both light and stable. The overall shape of the evolved lattice resembled a honeycomb structure that also satisfied the restrictions imposed by the stereolithography machine.

Designing Volumetric Truss Structures

We present the first algorithm for designing volumetric Michell Trusses. Our method uses a parametrization approach to generate trusses made of structural elements aligned with the primary direction of an object's stress field. Such trusses exhibit high strength-to-weight ratios. We demonstrate the structural robustness of our designs via a posteriori physical simulation. We believe our algorithm serves as an important complement to existing structural optimization tools and as a novel standalone design tool itself

Design of freeform membrane -tensegrity structure

Inspired by a lightweight, and tectonically decent pavilion, MOOM pavilion in Japan, this thesis study explores a digital approach to transform an existing physical structure into a digital computational model by following the principle behind in order to explore and generalize the principle and develop a generic digital tool for designing freeform membrane-tensegrity structures in architecture. Through generalize the regulations behind the existing structure and the generic digital tool development, the way of designing the same type of structure could be more efficient, logical and free. In this thesis, a generic digital tool for constructing membrane-tensegrity structure will be developed by referring to the analysis of MOOM pavilion and the generic freeform tensegrity algorithm proposed by Tomohiro Tachi and his team in The University of Tokyo. Through analysis and tool development process, the digital modeling and simulation programs are required. Here the used programs are Rhinoceros 6; Rhinoceros plug-in Grasshopper and Kangaroo Physics; Kangaroo 2; Weaverbird etc. in grasshopper. Furthermore, two demonstrators of freeform membrane-tensegrity structures would be proposed as two possible approaches to apply the developed digital tool in architectural and structural design. Since then, this thesis study will be an inspiring starting point for the further researches and designs of membrane-tensegrity structures

The investigation of a method to generate conformal lattice structures for additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) allows a geometric complexity in products not seen in conventional manufacturing. This geometric freedom facilitates the design and fabrication of conformal hierarchical structures. Entire parts or regions of a part can be populated with lattice structure, designed to exhibit properties that differ from the solid material used in fabrication. Current computer aided design (CAD) software used to design products is not suitable for the generation of lattice structure models. Although conceptually simple, the memory requirements to store a virtual CAD model of a lattice structure are prohibitively high. Conventional CAD software defines geometry through boundary representation (B-rep); shapes are described by the connectivity of faces, edges and vertices. While useful for representing accurate models of complex shape, the sheer quantity of individual surfaces required to represent each of the relatively simple individual struts that comprise a lattice structure ensure that memory limitations are soon reached. Additionally, the conventional data flow from CAD to manufactured part is arduous, involving several conversions between file formats. As well as a lengthy process, each conversion risks the generation of geometric errors that must be fixed before manufacture. A method was developed to specifically generate large arrays of lattice structures, based on a general voxel modelling method identified in the literature review. The method is much less sensitive to geometric complexity than conventional methods and thus facilitates the design of considerably more complex structures. The ability to grade structure designs across regions of a part (termed functional grading ) was also investigated, as well as a method to retain connectivity between boundary struts of a conformal structure. In addition, the method streamlines the data flow from design to manufacture: earlier steps of the data conversion process are bypassed entirely. The effect of the modelling method on surface roughness of parts produced was investigated, as voxel models define boundaries with discrete, stepped blocks. It was concluded that the effect of this stepping on surface roughness was minimal. This thesis concludes with suggestions for further work to improve the efficiency, capability and usability of the conformal structure method developed in this work

Cellular Structures for Optimal Performance

Cellular material structures, such as honeycombs and lattice structures, enable unprecedented stiffness and strength characteristics, for a given weight. New design and CAD technologies to construct cellular materials are presented in this paper. Such materials have very complex geometries, hence the need for additive manufacturing processes to produce them. A series of experiments was performed to build and test parts fabricated using Selective Laser Sintering. Variations in mechanical properties were quantified and related to processing conditions. Examples help illustrate the variety of applications of cellular materials in the aerospace, automotive, motorsports, energy, electronics, and related industries. A software tool is being developed to enable users to design and construct parts with cellular structures.Mechanical Engineerin

REVIEW OF BONE SCAFFOLD DESIGN CONCEPTS AND DESIGN METHODS

The paper brings out a review of existing, state-of-the-art approaches to designing the geometry of the scaffolds that are used for tissue engineering with a special emphasis on the macro scaffolds aimed for bone tissue recovery. Similar concepts of different authors are organized into groups. The focus of the paper is on determining the existing concepts as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Besides the review of scaffolds' geometry solutions, the analysis of the existing designs points to some serious misconceptions regarding the scaffold role within the (bone) tissue recovery. In the last section of the paper, the main requirements regarding geometry, that is, architecture and corresponding mechanical properties and permeability are reconsidered

Geometric Modeling of Cellular Materials for Additive Manufacturing in Biomedical Field: A Review

Advances in additive manufacturing technologies facilitate the fabrication of cellular materials that have tailored functional characteristics. The application of solid freeform fabrication techniques is especially exploited in designing scaffolds for tissue engineering. In this review, firstly, a classification of cellular materials from a geometric point of view is proposed; then, the main approaches on geometric modeling of cellular materials are discussed. Finally, an investigation on porous scaffolds fabricated by additive manufacturing technologies is pointed out. Perspectives in geometric modeling of scaffolds for tissue engineering are also proposed

Collagen-hyaluronic acid scaffolds for adipose tissue engineering.

Three-dimensional (3-D) in vitro models of the mammary gland require a scaffold matrix that supports the development of adipose stroma within a robust freely permeable matrix. 3-D porous collagen-hyaluronic acid (HA: 7.5% and 15%) scaffolds were produced by controlled freeze-drying technique and crosslinking with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide hydrochloride. All scaffolds displayed uniform, interconnected pore structure (total porosity approximately 85%). Physical and chemical analysis showed no signs of collagen denaturation during the formation process. The values of thermal characteristics indicated that crosslinking occurred and that its efficiency was enhanced by the presence of HA. Although the crosslinking reduced the swelling of the strut material in water, the collagen-HA matrix as a whole tended to swell more and show higher dissolution resistance than pure collagen samples. The compressive modulus and elastic collapse stress were higher for collagen-HA composites. All the scaffolds were shown to support the proliferation and differentiation 3T3-L1 preadipocytes while collagen-HA samples maintained a significantly increased proportion of cycling cells (Ki-67+). Furthermore, collagen-HA composites displayed significantly raised Adipsin gene expression with adipogenic culture supplementation for 8 days vs. control conditions. These results indicate that collagen-HA scaffolds may offer robust, freely permeable 3-D matrices that enhance mammary stromal tissue development in vitro.This was supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council