Multiphase topology optimisation
Encyclopedia
The Multi Phase Topology Optimisation is a simulation technique based on the principle of the finite element method
which is able to determine the optimal distribution of two or more different materials in combination under thermal and mechanical loads.
The objective of optimization is to minimize the component’s elastic energy
. Conventional topology optimisation methods which simulate adaptive bone mineralization have the disadvantage that there is a continuous change of mass by the growth process. However, MPTO keeps all initial material concentrations and uses methods adapted for molecular dynamics to find energy minimum. Applying MPTO to Mechanically loaded components with a high number of different material densities, the optimization results show graded and sometimes anisotropic porosity distributions which are very similar to natural bone structures. This allows the macro- and microstructure
of a mechanical component in one step. This method uses the Rapid Prototyping
techniques, 3D printing
and selective laser sintering
to produce very stiff, light weight components with graded porosities calculated by MPTO.
Finite element method
The finite element method is a numerical technique for finding approximate solutions of partial differential equations as well as integral equations...
which is able to determine the optimal distribution of two or more different materials in combination under thermal and mechanical loads.
The objective of optimization is to minimize the component’s elastic energy
Elastic energy
Elastic energy is the potential mechanical energy stored in the configuration of a material or physical system as work is performed to distort its volume or shape....
. Conventional topology optimisation methods which simulate adaptive bone mineralization have the disadvantage that there is a continuous change of mass by the growth process. However, MPTO keeps all initial material concentrations and uses methods adapted for molecular dynamics to find energy minimum. Applying MPTO to Mechanically loaded components with a high number of different material densities, the optimization results show graded and sometimes anisotropic porosity distributions which are very similar to natural bone structures. This allows the macro- and microstructure
Microstructure
Microstructure is defined as the structure of a prepared surface or thin foil of material as revealed by a microscope above 25× magnification...
of a mechanical component in one step. This method uses the Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping
Rapid prototyping is the automatic construction of physical objects using additive manufacturing technology. The first techniques for rapid prototyping became available in the late 1980s and were used to produce models and prototype parts. Today, they are used for a much wider range of applications...
techniques, 3D printing
3D printing
3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing technology where a three dimensional object is created by laying down successive layers of material. 3D printers are generally faster, more affordable, and easier to use than other additive manufacturing technologies. However, the term 3D printing is...
and selective laser sintering
Selective laser sintering
Selective laser sintering is an additive manufacturing technique that uses a high power laser to fuse small particles of plastic, metal , ceramic, or glass powders into a mass that has a desired 3-dimensional shape...
to produce very stiff, light weight components with graded porosities calculated by MPTO.