viii) Knowledge-based design of complex geometries for improved functionality
Additive manufacturing technologies, by working on a layer-by-layer approach, enable solid free-form manufacture and the production of materials, devices and products with complex geometries impossible to obtain otherwise. Geometrical complexity can be used to integrate several functions in a single part, to optimize the number of components of engineering systems and to reduce the manufacturing steps involved in mass-production. Such geometrical complexity is also interesting for the promotion of biomimetic designs, for improving ergonomics and for enhancing mechanical, dynamical, thermal and fluidic functionalities following bioinspired design strategies and other theories for the generation of innovative and efficient designs, such as the constructal law. At the same time, geometrical complexity is inherent to topological optimization and to other optimization procedures aimed at minimizing material consumption and maximizing certain functionalities per mass unit. As regards the design and tool-less manufacture of complex geometries, we are actively working in research and development lines including:
- Design of bioinspired support structures for eco-efficient additive manufacture.
- Design and application of lattice and porous structures for developing metamaterials
- Design and application of complex geometries for special properties (i.e. auxetics).
- Design and application of lattice and porous geometries for efficient product development.
- Design and application of complex geometries for efficient product development.
- Topological optimization procedures towards improved resistance vs. weight.
- Topological optimization procedures towards improved mass distributions.