Topology and alignment optimization of additively manufactured, fiber-reinforced composites

A design algorithm is presented for finding optimal topologies and alignment profiles of additively manufactured, fiber-reinforced composite structures. A SIMP-like scheme is used to determine where a constrained amount of material is to be located in the design space, while an additional local design variable determines print speed. The local print speed affects fiber alignment based on an experimentally determined relationship, allowing for graded control over effective orthotropy. Material properties are selected from experimental results for additive printed, chopped fiber composites. Two different load cases and three different global print directions are selected for a total of six minimum compliance optimization cases. Results show the design is sensitive to both local fiber control and global print angle selection. A post-processing and manufacturing technique is also introduced for fabricating the optimized structures.