Reintjes C. Algorithm-Driven Truss Topology Optimization...2022

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Since Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques allow the manufacture of complex-shaped structures the combination of lightweight construction, topology optimization, and AM is of significant interest. Besides the established continuum topology optimization methods, less attention is paid to algorithm-driven optimization based on linear optimization, which can also be used for topology optimization of truss-like structures. To overcome this shortcoming, we combined linear optimization, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), numerical shape optimization, and numerical simulation into an algorithm-driven product design process for additively manufactured truss-like structures. With our Ansys SpaceClaim add-in construcTOR, which is capable of obtaining ready-for-machine-interpretation CAD data of truss-like structures out of raw mathematical optimization data, the high performance of (heuristic-based) optimization algorithms implemented in linear programming software is now available to the CAD community.
Introduction
Physical and Technical Background
Optimization of Truss Structures
Bridging Algorithm-Driven Truss Optimization and Additive Manufacturing
Mixed-Integer Linear Programming for Truss Optimization
CAD-Based Mathematical Optimization
Computational Study
Conclusion and Outlook