Algorithm for topology optimization of a structure made of anisotropic material with consideration of the reinforcement orientation parameters

Abstract

Advanced design methods offer not only a number of methods of modeling structures but also quite profound optimization approaches. The topology optimization is one of such advantageous methods. There are several implementations of this type of structural analysis, but the most common option is to deal with the material density as a generalized parameter. The development of 3D printing technologies increases the interest in algorithms of this type. However, it mostly refers to printing with metal or plastic, which implies the material isotropy. Advances in continuous fiber printing systems and automatic placement machines using composite tapes make it possible for engineers to control not only a material’s position, but also to choose the local orientation of reinforcing elements. Such systems require optimization algorithms taking into account additional parameters characterizing the material anisotropy. In this case the traditional problem of the topology optimization should first be modified for the model of an orthotropic material with restrictions on the value of the angle of rotation of the reinforcement lines along the print path. In this paper, an idea of such a topology optimization algorithm is proposed, which is implemented using the Abaqus finite element modeling facilities, and examples of solving typical problems are considered.