Designing 2D stochastic porous structures using topology optimisation

Abstract

Functionally graded porous materials have superior properties such as high strength, low thermal conductivity and high energy absorption. More importantly, their density distribution can be customised to best suit different objectives, thus having a wide range of applications. With different manufacturing approaches, the geometry of functionally graded porous materials can be deterministic (e.g., lattice structure) or stochastic (e.g., metal foam). Whilst the design of the former has been extensively studied leveraging the long-established topology optimisation approach, the latter is rarely investigated despite its widespread use in industrial fields, such as aerospace and biomedical. In th..