Optimal design of advanced 3D printed composite parts of rocket and space structures

Abstract

In this article the method of structural and topology optimization for 3D printed composite parts reinforced with continuous fibers is presented. Within this method part shape is changed simultaneously with material orientation in order to minimize the mass of a part under its strength constraints. The presented method is demonstrated on example of cantilever plate. Quadratic stress criteria is used as strength constraint. Algorithm is implemented as python code interacted with Ansys software. The obtained optimized design is shown. Finite element analysis of the optimized plate is performed.