Designing Anisotropy in Structures using Topology Optimization

The field of topology optimization is gradually moving from isotropic to anisotropic materials, either using inclusions, such as fibers, or lattice microstructures. In this webinar, we will consider how anisotropic fibers and lattice microstructures can be used in topology optimization.

The first part of the talk will focus on obtaining the maximum stiffness by varying the distribution of an anisotropic fiber material within an isotropic matrix material for given volume fractions of void and material, as well as fiber and matrix, simultaneously. Topological derivatives are utilized for interchanging the isotropic material and void, fiber material and void, or isotropic and fiber materials during iterative optimization. In view of the practical implementation of laying up or 3D printing of fibers within a matrix material, the dense arrangement of fibers is simplified by evenly spacing them while retaining their specific patterns, which are neither periodic nor random.

In the second part of the talk, we will consider how heterogeneity could be exploited in lattice structure optimization. We will show that a variety of anisotropic behaviors can be obtained using optimized lattice units for a single isotropic material.

The methods discussed in this webinar are amenable for integrating within finite element analysis software, such as COMSOL Multiphysics®, and will be described and demonstrated in this talk. We will conclude with a Q&A session.