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Topology Optimization of Lightweight Lattice Structural Composites Inspired by Cuttlefish Bone

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Abstract

Lattice structural composites are of great interest to various industries where lightweight multifunctionality is important, especially aerospace. However, strong coupling among the composition, microstructure, porous topology, and fabrication of such materials impedes conventional trial-and-error experimental development. In this work, a discontinuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite was adopted for structural design. A reliable and robust design approach for developing lightweight multifunctional lattice structural composites was proposed, inspired by biomimetics and based on topology optimization. Three-dimensional periodic lattice blocks were initially designed, inspired by the cuttlefish bone microstructure. The topologies of the three-dimensional periodic blocks were further optimized by computer modeling, and the mechanical properties of the topology optimized lightweight lattice structures were characterized by computer modeling. The lattice structures with optimal performance were identified.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge generous support from the Composite and Nanocomposite Advanced Manufacturing Center (CNAM) (Grant number SA1800366), a South Dakota governor’s center, and from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University. The computational facility and technical support provided by the University High Performance Computing at South Dakota State University are also gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA

    Zhong Hu & Varun Kumar Gadipudi

  2. Composite and Nanocomposite Advanced Manufacturing (CNAM) Center, Rapid City, SD, USA

    Zhong Hu & David R. Salem

  3. Department of Materials & Metallurgical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA

    David R. Salem

  4. Chemical & Biological Engineering Department, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA

    David R. Salem

  5. Composite and Polymer Engineering Laboratory, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA

    David R. Salem

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  1. Zhong Hu
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Correspondence to Zhong Hu.

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Hu, Z., Gadipudi, V.K. & Salem, D.R. Topology Optimization of Lightweight Lattice Structural Composites Inspired by Cuttlefish Bone. Appl Compos Mater 26, 15–27 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10443-018-9680-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10443-018-9680-6

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