Computational driven design of programmable materials and structures

In this project, optimization methods will be integrated with simulation techniques of non-linear structures and materials. A successful project will enable optimal design of functionalized structures. The project is timely due to recent advances within the field of additive manufacturing.

We will integrate numerical techniques and optimisation strategies and the developed tools will enable design of optimised materials and components with increased functionality, due to “smart behaviours”.

An important goal of the project is to incorporate complex material behavior into topology optimization; this contrasts the vast majority of the avalible methods in the literature which are restricted to linear, isotropic small strain elasticity.

The novel features of the proposal can be summarized in:* Development of numerically efficient methods capable of finding homogenized optimal design for non-linear, transient and path-dependent response.

To gain computational efficiency, so-called reanalysis will be developed for transient, path-dependent problems. * Development of theory and strategies capable of  exploiting bi-stability and complex material behaviour for elasto-plastic structures.* Development of the theory and methods for the design of micro-structures that are able to respond to external stimuli such that a shape-memory effects and high energy release rate can be achived.

The actuation will be triggered by switching of multi-stable states of the micro-structure.