Topology Optimization in Additive Manufacturing for Lightweight Aerospace Components

Abstract

Aerospace engineering requires the need to make aircraft lightweight in order to increase efficiency, cargo capacity and overall output. Topology optimization that mathematically steers the process of placing material in a given design space, is useful in arriving at lighter designs that satisfy the needed constraints. It enables the production of more sophisticated parts in the aerospace sector when used with additive manufacturing (AM) that eases the production of complex geometries. The article investigates the possibility of utilizing topology optimization to AM to produce strong yet lightweight aerospace components. An analysis of a bracket of an aircraft is provided to indicate that the weight of the bracket was minimized to a significant extent thus it is more efficient. The new approach according to the research is a big difference in the aerospace design today.