Pixel design method for deformable structures based on gyroid and topology optimization

Abstract

Due to the outstanding mechanical properties of gyroid structures, the design of cellular structures based on gyroid lattices and topology optimization is currently a prominent research area in the field of additive manufacturing structural design. Stiffness topology optimization is commonly used in these designs, which improves the stability during specific loadings and the continuity of structures. However, there seems to be little discussion on manufacturing deformable cellular structures based on topology optimization for deformation. This topic has significant value in functionally graded material and programmable soft robotics design. In this work, a hyperelastic material is utilized to construct deformable gyroid lattices. The homogenization method is used to establish a database of variable-stiffness gyroid lattices with varying relative densities. The feasibility of guiding structural deformation through stiffness distribution is proved, and a pixel design method for deformable structures is proposed. In this work, the average normalized stiffness coefficient (ANSC) distribution is calculated by pixelating stiffness distribution. The soft gyroid lattices are used to fill up the design domain according to the ANSC distribution. Finally, two deformable structures, a cloaking metamaterial, and a compliant plier are analyzed to demonstrate the practicality of the proposed method.