Topology Optimization of Structures Obtained by Additive Manufacturing: Case of 3D beam

Abstract

The production of complex functional structures becomes possible using Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology. Topology optimization allows to obtain lightweight and high-performance parts. In this study, the combining of topology optimization with additive manufacturing is proposed. This combination is mainly motivated by two principal reasons. Firstly, topology optimization generates complex structures that cannot be achieved by conventional processes. Secondly, a great flexibility in part design is provided by additive manufacturing. Indeed, an automated algorithm for the topology optimization of structures obtained by additive manufacturing is presented. The proposed methodology is based on the generation of the geometry and the mesh of the studied structure using ANSYS software that uses finite element analysis (FEA). Then, the topology optimization algorithm is implemented in MATLAB. The developed algorithm is illustrated by a numerical example involving the minimization of the compliance of 3D beam structure.