Topology optimization for manufacturability based on the visibility map. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Yonghua; Lu, Jianan; Wei, Ying
• Is Part Of: Computer-aided design and applications. Volume 13:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: topology optimization -- manufacturability -- visibility map; Computer-aided design -- Congresses; Computer-aided design -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Data processing -- Congresses; Engineering design -- Periodicals; 620.00420285
• DOI: 10.1080/16864360.2015.1059199
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1686-4360

Abstract

ABSTRACT: As a popular and effective tool for structural design, topology optimization has been increasingly used for mechanical part design in recent years. However, the effectiveness of topology optimization in mechanical design has been seriously affected by the poor manufacturability of parts generated. In this study, manufacturability in the topology optimization process is described by using the concept of a visibility map. Apart from additive manufacturing, almost all manufacturing processes can be associated with a visibility map. A part generated by topology optimization must conform to the visibility map of a manufacturing process thus generating optimized design that is manufacturable by the proposed manufacturing process. Since the visibility map concept can be used to describe most manufacturing processes, the proposed approach can be used as a general method for all mechanical part design when topology optimization is needed. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: