Application of Digital Image Correlation method for verification of topology optimization of 3D printed load-bearing element

Abstract

This paper presents DIC-based experimental verification of topology optimization of the 3D printed cantilever plate load-bearing element. Test samples were 3D printed from ABS and PET-G materials using FDM technology. A 3D geometrical parametric model was created and FEA and topology optimization were performed using computer program Autodesk Inventor. In order to successfully define the optimization problem and obtain reliable results, it is extremely important to properly define the analysis input parameters, such as material parameters and boundary conditions. Young's moduli of ABS and PET-G were determined experimentally on samples which were made using 3D printing technology with identical settings as cantilever plate samples. Stresses and strains in optimized samples were determined using FEA. To verify the FEA and topology optimization results, an experimental setup for holding and loading of 3D printed samples was prepared and displacements were measured using digital image correlation system ARAMIS. Results obtained experimentally were compared with the results obtained by finite element analysis of optimized cantilever plate sample and show very good agreement for both ABS and PET-G samples, with deviation of around 4 % and 11 % respectively.