ANN ARBOR, Mich. ERD and TOYOTA CENTRAL R&D LABS (TCRDL) published a joint paper titled “Large-Scale Three-Dimensional Anisotropic Topology Optimization of Variable-Axial Lightweight Composite Structures” to Journal of Mechanical Design. We developed a design method for variable-axial fiber-reinforced polymer composites, to enable lightweight structures for energy efficient vehicles. Orientations of continuous fibers which make up polymer composites are optimized to increase structural stiffness where needed while reducing overall weight compared to conventional materials. As a proof of concept, a lightweight but sturdy drone frame has been designed to meet demanding performance targets of flight. In the future, this methodology can be applied to any mobility platform.
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