6,444 research outputs found
Topology optimization of multiple anisotropic materials, with application to self-assembling diblock copolymers
We propose a solution strategy for a multimaterial minimum compliance
topology optimization problem, which consists in finding the optimal allocation
of a finite number of candidate (possibly anisotropic) materials inside a
reference domain, with the aim of maximizing the stiffness of the body. As a
relevant and novel application we consider the optimization of self-assembled
structures obtained by means of diblock copolymers. Such polymers are a class
of self-assembling materials which spontaneously synthesize periodic
microstructures at the nanoscale, whose anisotropic features can be exploited
to build structures with optimal elastic response, resembling biological
tissues exhibiting microstructures, such as bones and wood. For this purpose we
present a new generalization of the classical Optimality Criteria algorithm to
encompass a wider class of problems, where multiple candidate materials are
considered, the orientation of the anisotropic materials is optimized, and the
elastic properties of the materials are assumed to depend on a scalar
parameter, which is optimized simultaneously to the material allocation and
orientation. Well-posedness of the optimization problem and well-definition of
the presented algorithm are narrowly treated and proved. The capabilities of
the proposed method are assessed through several numerical tests
A posteriori modeling error estimates in the optimization of two-scale elastic composite materials
The a posteriori analysis of the discretization error and the modeling error
is studied for a compliance cost functional in the context of the optimization
of composite elastic materials and a two-scale linearized elasticity model. A
mechanically simple, parametrized microscopic supporting structure is chosen
and the parameters describing the structure are determined minimizing the
compliance objective. An a posteriori error estimate is derived which includes
the modeling error caused by the replacement of a nested laminate
microstructure by this considerably simpler microstructure. Indeed, nested
laminates are known to realize the minimal compliance and provide a benchmark
for the quality of the microstructures. To estimate the local difference in the
compliance functional the dual weighted residual approach is used. Different
numerical experiments show that the resulting adaptive scheme leads to simple
parametrized microscopic supporting structures that can compete with the
optimal nested laminate construction. The derived a posteriori error indicators
allow to verify that the suggested simplified microstructures achieve the
optimal value of the compliance up to a few percent. Furthermore, it is shown
how discretization error and modeling error can be balanced by choosing an
optimal level of grid refinement. Our two scale results with a single scale
microstructure can provide guidance towards the design of a producible
macroscopic fine scale pattern
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Design and Fabrication of Components with Optimized Lattice Microstructures
The design and fabrication of components with optimized lattice microstructures is a new
approach to creating lightweight high-performance objects. This paper introduces a unique and
complete integration of design and fabrication leading to the creation of structural components
with complex composite microstructures. Rather than a solid cast component with optimized
outer shape this new approach leads to a component with an inner skeleton or microstructure
maximizing one or more properties such as the stiffness-to-weight ratio. Three dimensional
gradient materials are a natural outcome of this approach. An introduction to the design
optimization and hybrid fabrication approach will be provided in addition to research progress
and challenges through Spring 2004.Mechanical Engineerin
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