Multiscale Compliant Topology Optimization for Twistable Wing Design

In this paper, a multiscale compliant mechanism based topology optimization with parametrically driven mesostructures is proposed to generate light weight geometries with tunable flexibility. At the macrostructure level, the mesostructures are used as representative elements to improve the resolution of the geometry, creating metamaterials that provide additional flexibility in the design. By defining the mesostructures by parametric curves, complementary energy methods can be used to directly solve the local stiffness matrix without the need for meshing and finite element analysis. The tube radius of the mesostructure is used to scale the stiffness matrix, providing a continuous and physically accurate design space. This relationship is used in a SIMP based compliant mechanism topology optimization to find the optimal tube radius, instead of density, for each element. The optimization results give a competitive method for solving compliance based TO problems.