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Topologically Optimized Graded Foams

delete2024-04-23
delete3
PRE
AI
P
Paolo Iaccarino
E
Elvira Maresca
S
Simone Morganti
F
Ferdinando Auricchio
E
Ernesto Di Maio *
DOI:10.1002/adem.202301798delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
The adoption of Nature-inspired strategies to improve materials has fostered the introduction of cavities. But how to mass-produce structures in which a complex architecture of cavities is point-to-point fine-tuned to the local and global application requirements? To this aim, the use of a procedure based on topology optimization and gas foaming is herein reported. As an example case, a polymeric foamed beam whose density map is optimized in 3D for three-point bending is designed and produced by gas foaming a purpose-designed preform. The preform is produced with polypropylene and by a high pressure autoclave with CO2 as blowing agent. Optical and scanning electron microscopy as well as X-ray microscopy are used to analyze the 3D optimized foamed structures and show the effectiveness of the foaming design protocol in producing the finite element method-optimized structures. A remarkable twofold increase in the stiffness of the optimized structures is measured with respect to that of the uniformly foamed counterpart with equal overall mass. With the use of a single recyclable material in a single processing step, this method allows one to conceive the mass production of optimized, therefore more sustainable, plastic parts. A process-focused alternative to 3D printing is reported, based on topology optimization and gas foaming. A 3D density map optimized for three-point bending is designed and produced by gas foaming a purpose-designed polymeric preform. A twofold increase in the stiffness of the optimized structure is measured with respect to the uniformly foamed counterpart with equal mass.image (c) 2024 WILEY-VCH GmbH
Keywords:
gas foaming
polymeric foams
structural materials
topology optimization

Journal

Advanced Engineering Materials cover
Advanced Engineering Materials
IF:
3.3
Papers:
9.2K
Citations:
2.2W

Organization

U
university of pavia
Scholars:
2.1W
Papers: 1.6W
Citations: 8
U
University of Naples Federico II
Scholars:
4.7W
Papers: 3.6W
Citations: 51