Density-based topology optimization integrated with genetic algorithm for optimizing formability and bending stiffness of 3D printed CFRP core sandwich sheets

To expand the application ranges of sandwich sheets from conventional 2D flat panel types to 3D complex shapes and simultaneously improve the specific bending stiffness, a novel topology optimization strategy that can optimize the bending stiffness while maintaining good formability was proposed. In the proposed approach, the density-based topology optimization was integrated with the multi-stage genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the repeatable unit cell of the core structure of sandwich sheets. Two optimization schemes were adopted, in which one optimizes the formability and the other one optimizes the bending stiffness while fulfilling potential failure constraints. The failure constraints on core shear failure and face buckling were theoretically deduced to mathematically formulate the topology optimization problem, which was solved by the adaptive multi-stage GA to increase the possibility of generating physically meaningful and additively manufacturable topologies. For the experimental evaluations of mechanical properties and formability, the final optimal topologies under volume fraction constraints of 50% and 62.5% were additively manufactured using carbon fibre reinforced nylon. Comparing the sandwich topologies obtained by two optimization schemes, the bending stiffness of sandwich topologies with the core density of 50% and 62.5% are improved by 41.58% and 41.49%, while the energy absorption capabilities are improved by 13.60% and 29.40% respectively. L-bending and draw-bending tests indicate the improved formability of topologically optimized sandwich sheets. The proposed approach is capable of designing formable sandwich sheets with improved bending stiffness, which is expected to expand the application envelope of sandwich sheets with better mechanical properties.

Automated summary

A novel topology optimization strategy was proposed to improve the bending stiffness of sandwich sheets in 3D complex shapes while maintaining good formability. Experimental results showed that optimizing the core structure unit can significantly enhance the bending stiffness and formability of sandwich sheets.