Composite Part Anisotropic Optimization for Manufacturable CAD
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for optimizing anisotropic material properties in composite parts often result in sub-optimal designs due to separate sequential optimization steps for shape and material properties, leading to complex shapes that are difficult to manufacture and lack a unified CAD representation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that optimizes anisotropic material properties of composite parts by modifying CAD parameters using a gradient-based optimization method, incorporating sensitivities and performance indicators to ensure manufacturability and optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate sequential optimization steps are used for shape and material properties, then each optimization step can be performed independently, but the overall design becomes sub-optimal and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines shape optimization and material property optimization into a single unified optimization process. The gradient-based method simultaneously optimizes both geometric parameters and anisotropic material properties (such as fiber orientations and material density) by computing coupled sensitivities that account for the interaction between shape and material distribution. This eliminates the need for separate sequential steps and produces designs that are both optimal and manufacturable.
2Reliability
If gradient-based optimization method is used with unified CAD representation, then shape and material properties are optimized simultaneously for optimal performance, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a unified CAD representation as an intermediary framework that couples shape and material property descriptions. This unified representation allows the gradient-based optimization method to simultaneously handle both geometric and material parameters through a common set of design variables. The CAD system serves as the mediator that computes sensitivities and updates both shape and material properties consistently, managing the computational complexity while achieving optimal designs.
3Productivity
If multiple sequential optimizations are performed, then each parameter subset can be optimized independently, but the manufacturing process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sequential optimizations into a single unified optimization process that simultaneously determines both shape and material properties. By using a gradient-based method with coupled sensitivities, the system computes the optimal design in one integrated process rather than through multiple sequential steps. This produces designs that are inherently more manufacturable since the shape and material properties are co-optimized considering manufacturing constraints from the beginning.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimization of anisotropic material properties of a composite part. The method comprises providing a CAD model representing the part and including a feature tree having one or more CAD parameters each having an initial value. At least one CAD parameter influences the anisotropic material properties of the part. The method further comprises providing an optimization program specified by one or more use and/or manufacturing performance indicators having one or more objective functions and/or one or more constraints. The method further comprises modifying the initial values of the one or more CAD parameters by solving the optimization program using a gradient-based optimization method. The optimization method has as free variable the one or more CAD parameters. The optimization method uses sensitivities. Each sensitivity is an approximation of a respective derivative of a respective performance indicator with respect to a respective CAD parameter.