Researchers have uncovered a new approach to structural topology optimization is outlined that unifies both design and manufacturing to create novel microstructures. Potential applications range from improved facial implants for cranial reconstruction to better ways to get materials into space for planetary exploration.

In a recent paper published by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), a new approach to structural topology optimization is outlined that unifies both design and manufacturing to create novel microstructures, with potential applications ranging from enhanced facial implants for cranial reconstruction to improved ways to get materials into space for planetary exploration.

«With traditional structural topology optimization, we use algorithms to determine the ideal layout of a structure — one that maximizes structural efficiency and requires fewer material resources,» said Emily Sanders, a Ph.D. student in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Georgia Tech, and co-author of the paper. «Our new research takes that a step further by introducing structural hierarchy, microarchitectures, and spatially-varying mechanical properties to enable different types of functionality like those observed in the cuttlefish and mantis shrimp.»

The properties of both animals inspired the new framework for designing hierarchical, spatially-varying microstructures and required the researchers to build on existing technologies used to create 3D-printed structures.

«In our recent work, we’ve developed technology that includes new algorithms and computations that are the enablers of a hierarchical microstructure,» said Glaucio Paulino, Raymond Allen Jones chair and professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Georgia Tech, co-author of the paper and recent inductee to the National Academy of Engineering. «We can then input that information into 3D printers and create structures with tremendous amounts of details. After studying the porous, layered cuttlefish bone that has extremely adaptive properties, we’ve been able to apply that to new structures and materials like the ones shown in our paper.»

For Paulino and his team, he hopes this new research will be applied to his earlier work in cranial reconstruction on cancer patients and those who have had massive facial injuries and bone loss.

Story Source: Materials provided by Georgia Institute of Technology. Original written by Georgia Parmelee. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.