A Systems Approach of Topology Optimization for Bioinspired Material Structures Design Using Additive Manufacturing

Bioinspired design has been applied in sustainable design (e.g., lightweight structures) to learn from nature and support material structure functionalities. Natural structures usually require modification in practice because they were evolved in natural environmental conditions that can be different from industrial applications. Topology optimization is a method to find the optimal design solution by considering the material external physical environment. Therefore, integrating topology optimization into bioinspired design can benefit sustainable material structure designers in meeting the purpose of using bioinspired concepts to find the optimal solution in the material functional environment. Current research in both sustainable design and materials science, however, has not led to a method to assist material structure designers to design structures with bioinspired concepts and use topology optimization to find the optimal solution. Systems thinking can seamlessly fill this gap and provide a systemic methodology to achieve this goal. The objective of this research is to develop a systems approach that incorporates topology optimization into bioinspired design, and simultaneously takes into consideration additive manufacturing processing conditions to ensure the material structure functionality. The method is demonstrated with three lightweight material structure designs: spiderweb, turtle shell, and maze. Environmental impact assessment and finite element analysis were conducted to evaluate the functionality and emissions of the designs. This research contributes to the sustainable design knowledge by providing an innovative systems thinking-based bioinspired design of material structures. In addition, the research results enhance materials knowledge with an understanding of mechanical properties of three material structures: turtle shell, spiderweb, and maze. This research systemically connects four disciplines, including bioinspired design, manufacturing, systems thinking, and lightweight structure materials.