Related papers: Topology-Optimized Pneumatic Soft Actuator: Design…
In this article, we present an extension of the formulation recently developed by the authors (A Framework for Data-Driven Computational Mechanics Based on Nonlinear Optimization, arXiv:1910.12736 [math.NA]) to the structural dynamics…
This paper presents an adjoint-assisted, topology-optimization-inspired approach for analyzing topological sensitivities in fluid domains based on porous media formulations -- without directly utilizing the porosity field as a design…
Inflated-beam soft robots, such as tip-everting vine robots, can control curvature by contracting one beam side via pneumatic actuation. This work develops a general finite element modeling approach to characterize their bending. The model…
This paper introduces a heuristic topology optimization framework for thin-walled, 2D extruded lattice structures subject to complex high-speed loading. The proposed framework optimizes the wall thickness distribution in the lattice cross…
We present a two-scale topology optimization framework for the design of macroscopic bodies with an optimized elastic response, which is achieved by means of a spatially-variant cellular architecture on the microscale. The chosen spinodoid…
Soft robots have proven to outperform traditional robots in applications related to propagation in geometrically constrained environments. Designing these robots and their controllers is an intricate task, since their building materials…
This paper presents a novel soft robotic system for a deformable mannequin that can be employed to physically realize the 3D geometry of different human bodies. The soft membrane on a mannequin is deformed by inflating several curved…
Topology optimization (TO) has been widely adopted in engineering design; however, it is prone to being trapped in local optima, particularly in strongly nonlinear problems. Sensitivity-free data-driven topology design (DDTD) offers a…
Practical use of robotic manipulators made from soft materials requires generating and executing complex motions. We present the first approach for generating trajectories of a thermally-actuated soft robotic manipulator. Based on…
Soft continuum robots achieve complex deformation through elastic equilibrium, making their reachable motions governed jointly by structural design and actuation-induced mechanics. This work develops a general formulation that integrates…
We develop and apply a novel shape optimization exemplified for a two-blade rotor with respect to the figure of merit ($FM$). This topologically assisted optimization (TAO) contains two steps. First a global evolutionary optimization is…
Topology optimization (TopOpt) is a mathematical-driven design procedure to realize optimal material architectures. This procedure is often used to automate the design of devices involving flow through porous media, such as micro-fluidic…
Topology optimization of microstructures plays a critical role in optimizing functional performance across diverse engineering applications. While metamaterials with enhanced mechanical properties -- such as hyperelasticity, energy…
This paper presents a method for the optimization of multi-component structures comprised of two and three materials considering large motion sliding contact and separation along interfaces. The structural geometry is defined by an explicit…
Integration of both actuation and proprioception into the robot body would provide actuation and sensing in a single integrated system. Within this work, a manufacturing approach for such actuators is investigated that relies on 3D printing…
Soft robotics has emerged as a promising field with the potential to revolutionize industries such as healthcare and manufacturing. However, designing effective soft robots presents challenges, particularly in managing the complex interplay…
Topology optimization (TO) is a common technique used in free-form designs. However, conventional TO-based design approaches suffer from high computational cost due to the need for repetitive forward calculations and/or sensitivity…
This paper is concerned with the optimisation of the actuation response of electro-elastic, rank-two laminates obtained laminating a core rank-one composite with a soft phase which constitutes the shell. The analysis is performed for two…
This study proposes the topology optimization method for moving rigid bodies subjected to forces from fluid flow, such as sails and turbines, with an unsteady time-dependent formulation. Unlike existing topology optimization frameworks in…
It is nowadays widely acknowledged that optimal structural design should be robust with respect to the uncertainties in loads and material parameters. However, there are several alternatives to consider such uncertainties in structural…