Methodology for Integrating Biomimetic Beams in Abstracted Topology Optimization Results

Abstract This paper presents a five-step design methodology to generate designs of biomimetic structural components from topology optimization results. In step one, all material allocated by topology optimization is classified as either beam like structures or nodes to generate an auxiliary model consisting of preserved regions, cylindrical beams, and ball nodes, which is an abstraction of the original topology optimization result. In step two, the auxiliary model is exposed to the original boundary conditions in a finite element analysis. Then, internal forces, torsion, and bending moments in all beams of the auxiliary model are identified with respect to both of their ends. In step three, a database is used to find a suitable biomimetic beam for each previously analyzed beam in the auxiliary model. In step four, adapted nodes are designed to connect the biomimetic beams and preserved regions to generate an intermediate biomimetic component design. And in step five, a design iteration and a validation of the final design are performed. The design methodology allows for reproducible bio-mimetic component designs, a trackable and easily documentable component development process, and the possibility of automating the design process to ultimately save development costs when designing structural components.