Topology optimization of shape memory polymer structures with programmable morphology

Anurag Bhattacharyya, Kai A. James

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We present a novel optimization framework for optimal design of structures exhibiting memory characteristics by incorporating shape memory polymers (SMPs). SMPs are a class of memory materials capable of undergoing and recovering applied deformations. A finite-element analysis incorporating the additive decomposition of small strain is implemented to analyze and predict temperature-dependent memory characteristics of SMPs. The finite element method consists of a viscoelastic material modelling combined with a temperature-dependent strain storage mechanism, giving SMPs their characteristic property. The thermo-mechanical characteristics of SMPs are exploited to actuate structural deflection to enable morphing toward a target shape. A time-dependent adjoint sensitivity formulation implemented through a recursive algorithm is used to calculate the gradients required for the topology optimization algorithm. Multimaterial topology optimization combined with the thermo-mechanical programming cycle is used to optimally distribute the active and passive SMP materials within the design domain. This allows us to tailor the response of the structures to design them with specific target displacements, by exploiting the difference in the glass-transition temperatures of the two SMP materials. Forward analysis and sensitivity calculations are combined in a PETSc-based optimization framework to enable efficient multi-functional, multimaterial structural design with controlled deformations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1863-1887
Number of pages25
JournalStructural and Multidisciplinary Optimization
Volume63
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2021

Keywords

  • Adjoint sensitivity analysis
  • High-performance computing
  • Multi-physics design
  • Multimaterial topology optimization
  • Shape memory polymers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Software
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design
  • Control and Optimization

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