Lightweight parametric optimisation method for cellular structures in additive manufactured parts

Abstract

The application of cellular structures in additive manufactured parts combined with lightweight optimisation has an enormous potential, reducing weight, production time and cost. This paper presents a new method based on design of experiments, metamodels and genetic algorithms (combined with Computer Aided Design and Finite Element Method tools) to accomplish lightweight parametric optimisation of cellular structures in additive manufactured parts. Some specific strategies were implemented in the developed optimisation method to improve the performance compared with conventional methods. These strategies intensify the sampling for the surrogate model refinement in areas close to the feasible/unfeasible border, where the optimum is expected.