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Topology optimization exercise that consists of designing a chair and a desk in Altair Inspire and nTopology softwares. The designs are optimized multiple times to achieve high-quality results with maximized stiffness. Each optimization is set at a specific thickness constraint, load case, and mass target percentage. Final designs are rendered in KeyShot11.
Software
Altair Inspire: optimization of desk
nTopology: optimization of chair legs
Fusion 360: chair back
KeyShot11: rendering
Timeframe
2 weeks
Step-by-Step Process
The sketches to the right show the step-by-step process to make the desk in Altair Inspire.
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A rectangular block of 60" x 24" x 30" is extruded from a drawing on the top plane.
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A separate block of 1" thickness is extruded from the top surface and four small blocks of 0.128" thickness from the bottom surface.
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The design space (the block in between the top and bottom blocks) is defined. A shape control is added to make the optimization in the design space symmetrical.
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The first optimization is performed with the following constraints and conditions:
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Objective: maximize stiffness
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Mass target: 40% of total design space volume
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Thickness constraints: 0.06 m
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Contacts: sliding only
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Gravity: yes
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Time: 3 hours
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The second optimization is performed with the following constraints and conditions:
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Objective: maximize stiffness
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Mass target: 20% of total design space volume
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Thickness constraints: 0.08 m
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Contacts: sliding only
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Gravity: yes
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Time: 2 hours
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A third optimization is performed in nTopology (not shown).
Properties
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Printing Material: Nylon
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Young's Modulus: 2.7 GPa
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Poisson's Ratio: 0.42
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Rendering Material: light oak wood and glass
Altair Inspire
The following images show the difference between the first and second optimization, in terms of mass reduction and maximized stiffness.
The chair is designed and optimized using a similar approach. The only difference is that the back of the chair is assembled separately, as it was created in Fusion 360. In terms of topology optimization, the legs are optimized multiple times in Altair Inspire and nTopology to achieve the intended result.
The final designs are rendered in Keyshot11. For materials, the desk and chair have light oak wood, with the desk including a glass panel.
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