Optimal design and evaluation with ground structure based topology optimization

Abstract

The aim of this study is to design an optimum CFRP lattice structure for application to a morphing wing. The ground structure based topology method is adopted as the optimization method, and the results are validated by experiments. In this study, to confirm the effectiveness of the optimization method, a simple hook shape was optimized and its stiffness and strength was compared by tensile tests. A 3D printer capable of laminating thermoplastic CFRP was used to fabricate the specimen. The results of tensile tests showed that the optimized specimens exhibited higher stiffness and strength than the reference model, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed method.