Impact of microstructural parameters on topology optimization of structures made of composites with elliptical inclusions

Kozuch, Christopher

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/101381 Copy

Description

Title

Impact of microstructural parameters on topology optimization of structures made of composites with elliptical inclusions

Author(s)

Kozuch, Christopher

Issue Date

2018-04-26

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Jasiuk, Iwona M.

Department of Study

Mechanical Sci & Engineering

Discipline

Theoretical & Applied Mechans

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• elliptical
• inclusion
• topology
• optimization
• composite

Abstract

This thesis seeks to determine the relationship between the parameters that define microstructures composed of a matrix with periodic elliptical inclusions and the macroscopic shapes obtained using structural topology optimization. Stiffness properties for a range of microstructures were obtained computationally through homogenization, and these properties were used to conduct topology optimization on two canonical structural problems. Effectiveness was evaluated on the basis of final total strain energy when compared to a reference configuration. Local minima were found for the two structural problems and various microstructure configurations, indicating that the microstructure of composites with elliptical inclusions can be fine-tuned for topology optimization. For example, when making a cantilever beam from a material with soft, horizontal inclusions, ensuring that the aspect ratio of the inclusions is 2.25 will yield the best result after topology optimization is applied. Optimality criteria such as this have important implications in composite component design.

Graduation Semester

2018-05

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/101381

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2018 Christopher Kozuch

Owning Collections