The precise control of mass and energy deposition associated with additive manufacturing (AM) processes enables the topological specification and realization of how space can be filled by material in multiple scales. Consequently, AM can be pursued in a manner that is optimized such that fabricated objects can best realize performance specifications. In the present work, we propose a computational multiscale method that utilizes the unique meso-scale structuring capabilities of implicit slicers for AM, in conjunction with existing topology optimization (TO) tools for the macro-scale, in order to generate structurally optimized components. The use of this method is demonstrated on two example objects including a load bearing bracket and a hand tool. This paper also includes discussion concerning the applications of this methodology, its current limitations, a recasting of the AM digital thread, and the future work required to enable its widespread use.
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September 2018
Research-Article
Multiscale Topology Optimization for Additively Manufactured Objects
John C. Steuben,
John C. Steuben
Mem. ASME
Computational Multiphysics Systems Laboratory,
Center of Materials Physics and Technology,
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory,
Washington, DC 20375
Computational Multiphysics Systems Laboratory,
Center of Materials Physics and Technology,
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory,
Washington, DC 20375
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Athanasios P. Iliopoulos,
Athanasios P. Iliopoulos
Mem. ASME
Computational Multiphysics Systems Laboratory,
Center of Materials Physics and Technology
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory,
Washington, DC 20375
Computational Multiphysics Systems Laboratory,
Center of Materials Physics and Technology
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory,
Washington, DC 20375
Search for other works by this author on:
John G. Michopoulos
John G. Michopoulos
Fellow ASME
Computational Multiphysics Systems Laboratory,
Center of Materials Physics and Technology,
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory,
Washington, DC 20375
Computational Multiphysics Systems Laboratory,
Center of Materials Physics and Technology,
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory,
Washington, DC 20375
Search for other works by this author on:
John C. Steuben
Mem. ASME
Computational Multiphysics Systems Laboratory,
Center of Materials Physics and Technology,
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory,
Washington, DC 20375
Computational Multiphysics Systems Laboratory,
Center of Materials Physics and Technology,
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory,
Washington, DC 20375
Athanasios P. Iliopoulos
Mem. ASME
Computational Multiphysics Systems Laboratory,
Center of Materials Physics and Technology
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory,
Washington, DC 20375
Computational Multiphysics Systems Laboratory,
Center of Materials Physics and Technology
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory,
Washington, DC 20375
John G. Michopoulos
Fellow ASME
Computational Multiphysics Systems Laboratory,
Center of Materials Physics and Technology,
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory,
Washington, DC 20375
Computational Multiphysics Systems Laboratory,
Center of Materials Physics and Technology,
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory,
Washington, DC 20375
1Corresponding author.
Contributed by the Computers and Information Division of ASME for publication in the JOURNAL OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING. Manuscript received October 15, 2017; final manuscript received January 23, 2018; published online June 12, 2018. Assoc. Editor: Jitesh H. Panchal.
J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng. Sep 2018, 18(3): 031002 (10 pages)
Published Online: June 12, 2018
Article history
Received:
October 15, 2017
Revised:
January 23, 2018
Citation
Steuben, J. C., Iliopoulos, A. P., and Michopoulos, J. G. (June 12, 2018). "Multiscale Topology Optimization for Additively Manufactured Objects." ASME. J. Comput. Inf. Sci. Eng. September 2018; 18(3): 031002. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4039312
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