Geometric Feature Evolution-driven Topology Design for the Supporting-free Multicell Structure

doi:10.3901/JME.2025.17.300

Abstract

Abstract: Multicellular structures are a class of cross-scale structures characterized by complex pore features and specific mechanical properties. The intricate topological relationships inherent in the geometrical features of multicellular structures within the design space introduce significant challenges to their formation in the fabrication space. In this paper, in order to break through the self-supporting characteristic design of multi-cellular structures, a multi-cellular structure design method based on the evolution of geometric features is proposed. Starting from the geometric features, the superposition and combination mode of the rod unit is investigated, and the mapping relationship between the spatial position of the rod unit, the single-cell stiffness matrix, and the density of the single cell is analysed, and the two-dimensional and three-dimensional single-cell models driven by the geometric features of the rod unit are established; When employed in conjunction with the topological optimization method, the sensitivity of the multicellular structure is deduced, and the optimization model of the multicellular structure with single-cell matching is constructed. The distribution range of the forming angles of the shared rod units between single cells, as well as the exclusive rod units within a single cell, is analysed in conjunction with the spatial position of the rod units in the cell. The search algorithm for matching the forming angles of the rod units is designed to establish the manufacturing voxel with self-supporting characteristics and realize the self-supporting design of multi-cellular structures. This paper provides a comprehensive illustration of the multi-cellular structure manufacturing voxel construction process through the optimization example of a 2D cantilever beam and a 3D bracket. It also verifies the validity of the proposed method by using the model slicing software of the additive manufacturing equipment. This provides a new theoretical basis and methodological approach for the self-supporting design of multi-cellular structures.

Key words: topology optimization, self-supporting structure, geometric features, manufacturing voxels

CLC Number:

TP319

WU Zijun, XIAO Renbin. Geometric Feature Evolution-driven Topology Design for the Supporting-free Multicell Structure[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2025, 61(17): 300-313.

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