Automatic Design of 3D Lightweight Structures Based on Finite Element Mesh

Abstract

In recent years, 3D printing has extended its applications from conventional prototyping to direct fabrication of functional parts. The advantage of 3D printing in its design flexibility and complexity has driven novel design methods that can get over traditional manufacturing constraints, and has been used to designs of lightweight structures or functional products. In the present study, we developed an automatic design of lightweight structures for weight reduction and better ventilation of 3D printed parts. Two automatic design methods of lightweight structures based on finite element (FE) mesh were developed: porous shell structures based on 3D triangular mesh and lightweight cellular structures based on 3D tetrahedral mesh.