Topology Optimization for Integrated Design of Composite Structures and Materials and Applications in Bionic Robots

Project Member(s): Luo, Z.

Funding or Partner Organisation: WXYZ Technologies Co Ltd

Start year: 2016

Summary: In this project, we will develop a systematic computational design method using a multi-scale topology optimization technique to achieve integrated design of materials-structure, by taking advantages of both cellular composites and functionally graded mechanical metamaterials. In the macro scale, a parametric level set method is applied to develop the macro structural design to generate an overall material distribution layout of multilayers. In the micro scale, the level set method together with the numerical homogenization method is combined to create microstructures to build cellular composite layers. So that the cellular composites will be characterized by variation in microstructures and the corresponding changes of properties over layers. The proposed method will design a new spectrum of artificial composites involving metamaterials similar to functionally graded materials but layer-based, to achieve multifunctional properties for energy absorption, anti-impact, thermal isolation and etc. The approach to be develop in this project will be applied to an interesting real-world engineering application: biomimetic mechanical structure systems, like biomimetic robotics, to achieve super lightweight materials-structure with multifunctional performances.

Publications:

Gao, J, Luo, Z, Li, H, Li, P & Gao, L 2019, 'Dynamic multiscale topology optimization for multi-regional micro-structured cellular composites', Composite Structures, vol. 211, pp. 401-417.
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Chu, S, Gao, L, Xiao, M, Luo, Z & Li, H 2018, 'Stress‐based multi‐material topology optimization of compliant mechanisms', International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, vol. 113, no. 7, pp. 1021-1044.
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Chu, S, Gao, L, Xiao, M, Luo, Z, Li, H & Gui, X 2018, 'A new method based on adaptive volume constraint and stress penalty for stress-constrained topology optimization', Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, vol. 57, no. 3, pp. 1163-1185.
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Li, H, Luo, Z, Gao, L & Walker, P 2018, 'Topology optimization for functionally graded cellular composites with metamaterials by level sets', Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, vol. 328, pp. 340-364.
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Wang, Y, Gao, J, Luo, Z, Brown, T & Zhang, N 2017, 'Level-set topology optimization for multimaterial and multifunctional mechanical metamaterials', Engineering Optimization, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 22-42.
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Li, H, Luo, Z, Zhang, N, Gao, L & Brown, T 2016, 'Integrated design of cellular composites using a level-set topology optimization method', Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, vol. 309, pp. 453-475.
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Wang, Y, Luo, Z, Zhang, N & Qin, Q 2016, 'Topological shape optimization of multifunctional tissue engineering scaffolds with level set method', Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, vol. 54, no. 2, pp. 333-347.
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Wang, Y, Luo, Z, Zhang, N & Wu, T 2016, 'Topological design for mechanical metamaterials using a multiphase level set method', Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 937-952.
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Wu, J, Gao, J, Luo, Z & Brown, T 2016, 'Robust topology optimization for structures under interval uncertainty', Advances in Engineering Software, vol. 99, pp. 36-48.
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Keywords: Topology optimization; Integrated computational design; lightweight composites; Bio mimic robotics.

FOR Codes: Expanding Knowledge in Engineering, Numerical Modelling and Mechanical Characterisation