Challenges and Opportunities in Geometric Modeling of Complex Bio-Inspired Three-Dimensional Objects Designed for Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

Ever since its introduction over five decades ago, geometric solid modelling has been crucial for engineering design purposes and is used in engineering software packages such as computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer-aided engineering (CAE), etc. Solid models produced by CAD software have been used to transfer geometric information from designers to manufacturers. Since the emergence of additive manufacturing (AM), a CAD file can also be directly uploaded to a three-dimensional (3D) printer and used for production. AM techniques allow manufacturing of complex geometric objects such as bio-inspired structures and lattice structures. These structures are shapes inspired by nature and periodical geometric shapes consisting of struts interconnecting in nodes. Both structures have unique properties such as significantly reduced weight. However, geometric modelling of such structures has significant challenges due to the inability of current techniques to handle their geometric complexity. This calls for a novel modelling method that would allow engineers to design complex geometric objects. This survey paper reviews geometric modelling methods of complex structures to support bio-inspired design created for AM which includes discussing reasoning behind bio-inspired design, limitations of current modelling approaches applied to bio-inspired structures, challenges encountered with geometric modelling and opportunities that these challenges reveal. Based on the review, a need for a novel geometric modelling method for bio-inspired geometries produced by AM is identified. A framework for such bio-inspired geometric modelling method is proposed as a part of this work.

Geometric modeling of advanced cellular structures with skeletal graphs

“…1. These structures, ranging from stochastic and conformal to multi-topology surfacebased ones, present unique design challenges [1,2]. Expanding upon the approach we proposed in our preceding paper, this work carries out an exploration study, focusing on more advanced cellular structures, namely cellular structures that are stochastic, heterogeneous conformal, and heterogeneous surface-based with multiple topologies, given their intricate geometries and unique capabilities.…”

Geometric Modelling of Heterogeneous Lattice Structures Through Function Representation With Latticequery

“…Heterogeneous lattice structures have varying geometric parameters, allowing them to possess different mechanical and physical properties in oth er structure regions (Liu et al, 2021). However, the geometric modelling of such structures is still limited because the CAD industry has not yet fully adjusted to the transition from subtractive manufacturing to AM (Letov et al, 2021).…”

“…Several solutions to the limited design freedom problem have been introduced. Many of these solutions have been reviewed in the literature (Letov et al, 2021;Liu et al, 2021). However, most solutions do not allow the variation of many other geometric parameters of the lattice.…”

“…Nevertheless, parametrisation of geometric properties other than lattice thickness remains unexplored. A more detailed review of related work has been performed in preceding works (Letov et al, 2021;Liu et al, 2021). The method proposed in the preceding work is capable of geometric modelling of lattice structures with other non-linearly varying parameters, such as the truncation in Figure 1b and the beam cross-section shape in Figure 1c Zhao, 2022, 2023).…”

Energy optimization in additive manufacturing based on cluster-aware enhanced spider monkey optimization

“…More than one-third of global energy use and carbon dioxide emissions come from the manufacturing sector, making it a very significant part of the economy. Many environmental issues, such as the greenhouse effect, can be traced back to the excessive usage of energy [2].Researchers are always looking into new energy-efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, as well as methods for analysing manufacturing companies' energy usage, with the goal of lowering overall EC and easing the strain on the environment.The term AM refers to a technique for fabricating 3D solid objects from digital models [3]. This is accomplished by additive methods, in which an object is built up from a series of layers of material.…”