Aperiodic Lattice Design Optimization for Multi-Functional Lightweight Aerospace Structures

The primary innovation proposed is the development of a lattice design tool that combines concepts from topology and parameter optimization to generate lattice materials that are aperiodic in nature and do not require a priori definition of cell size. With Additive Manufacturing, we can now specify detail to a degree previously not possible. In the context of cellular materials, however, it is not apparent how we can maximize this freedom to improve performance, and enable multi-functionality. This is the opportunity that our innovation addresses, by developing a lattice design optimization tool that does not require a priori knowledge of either cell shape or stochastic function, instead subjecting lattice connectivity itself to optimization, leveraging Bio-inspired design principles to effectively constrain the search. This capability does not exist in commercial code, these ideas are only hinted at in academic literature. We expect these new design capabilities to impact positively by at least 20-50%, all the domains traditionally occupied by cellular materials. Nesting our capability within commercial FEA software (ANSYS) will accelerate adoption. In addition to the software product itself, our deliverables include cellular material data for inclusion in NASArsquo;s open-source PeTaL platform, data analysis, experimental results, and 3D printed metal demonstration artifacts.