Analyzing the Effects of Void Characteristics on the Compliance of Topology Optimized Structures for Additive Manufacturing

This study investigates the impact of void parameters, such as number, shape, and size, on the structural compliance of topology-optimized structures in the context of additive manufacturing. The optimization is performed using the Sequential Element Rejection and Admission algorithm, with a cantilever beam model subjected to a vertical load. Voids, modeled as elliptical regions with varying aspect ratios and saturations, are introduced into the optimized structure to simulate potential manufacturing defects. The influence of these void parameters on compliance is evaluated through finite element analysis, focusing on the relationship between void saturation, aspect ratio, and void size. The results indicate that compliance increases with higher void saturations, the impact of void shape is more pronounced at high saturations. These findings provide insights into optimizing void characteristics for enhanced structural performance in additive manufacturing.