Topology optimization of heterogeneous infill coated structures with the SERA method
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This work presents a concurrent shell-infill topology optimization procedure to generate lightweight structures composed of a stiff shell and a heterogeneous infill. The problem evolves by concurrently optimizing two optimization fields, a bulk design and an infill field. The optimal distribution of the bulk material is determined by the Sequential Element Rejection and Admission Method (SERA) [1]. This field is evaluated by the Smallest Univalue Segment Assimilating Nucleus (SUSAN) [2] edge detection algorithm to precisely define the contour of the shape and extend its thickness to form a stiff shell with a desired thickness value. The extension only moves inwards, allowing us to meet the objective volume fraction more effectively. The infill field is optimized with local material volume constraints forming a heterogeneous infill that iteration-wise overlaps with the bulk design and the shell to form a coated structure with heterogeneous infill. The proposed procedure has been tested with different benchmark examples and results have shown good agreement with the current literature.