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A Systems Approach of Topology Optimization for Bioinspired Material Structures Design Using Additive Manufacturing

Author

Listed:
  • William Patrick Ryan-Johnson

    (School of Integrated Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA)

  • Larson Curtis Wolfe

    (School of Integrated Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA)

  • Christopher Roder Byron

    (School of Integrated Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA)

  • Jacquelyn Kay Nagel

    (Department of Engineering, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA)

  • Hao Zhang

    (School of Integrated Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA)

Abstract

Bioinspired design has been applied in sustainable design (e.g., lightweight structures) to learn from nature and support material structure functionalities. Natural structures usually require modification in practice because they were evolved in natural environmental conditions that can be different from industrial applications. Topology optimization is a method to find the optimal design solution by considering the material external physical environment. Therefore, integrating topology optimization into bioinspired design can benefit sustainable material structure designers in meeting the purpose of using bioinspired concepts to find the optimal solution in the material functional environment. Current research in both sustainable design and materials science, however, has not led to a method to assist material structure designers to design structures with bioinspired concepts and use topology optimization to find the optimal solution. Systems thinking can seamlessly fill this gap and provide a systemic methodology to achieve this goal. The objective of this research is to develop a systems approach that incorporates topology optimization into bioinspired design, and simultaneously takes into consideration additive manufacturing processing conditions to ensure the material structure functionality. The method is demonstrated with three lightweight material structure designs: spiderweb, turtle shell, and maze. Environmental impact assessment and finite element analysis were conducted to evaluate the functionality and emissions of the designs. This research contributes to the sustainable design knowledge by providing an innovative systems thinking-based bioinspired design of material structures. In addition, the research results enhance materials knowledge with an understanding of mechanical properties of three material structures: turtle shell, spiderweb, and maze. This research systemically connects four disciplines, including bioinspired design, manufacturing, systems thinking, and lightweight structure materials.

Suggested Citation

  • William Patrick Ryan-Johnson & Larson Curtis Wolfe & Christopher Roder Byron & Jacquelyn Kay Nagel & Hao Zhang, 2021. "A Systems Approach of Topology Optimization for Bioinspired Material Structures Design Using Additive Manufacturing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-19, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:14:p:8013-:d:596511
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Yousif Saad Alshebly & Khameel B. Mustapha & Ali Zolfagharian & Mahdi Bodaghi & Mohamed Sultan Mohamed Ali & Haider Abbas Almurib & Marwan Nafea, 2022. "Bioinspired Pattern-Driven Single-Material 4D Printing for Self-Morphing Actuators," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-21, August.

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