Research Focus Areas
We focus on creating new topology optimization methods and algorithms to solve challenging design problems, including the design of materials, devices, components, and structures optimized for mechanical, fluidic, and thermal properties. Specific areas of interest are summarized below.
Design for Manufacturability & Under Manufacturing Constraints
New manufacturing technologies provide new capabilities that can not be fully exploited using legacy designs. We develop algorithms customized for the details of a manufacturing processes, including design to improve manufacturability. Examples of our work includes design for additive manufacturing, novel processes, 3D weaving, composite layups, machining, truss and frame structures.
Multi-material Topology Optimization
Fiber-based composites and other multi-material components provide opportunities for achieving enhanced properties and multi-functionality. Multi-material topology optimization distributes different candidate material in a manner that leverages the best aspects of the contributing materials. Examples of our work includes design of 3D printed multi-material devices, laminated composite stacking sequences, fiber orientations by 3D printing and tow steering, and steel reinforced concrete structural design.
Optimizing Fluid FlowS
Tailoring flow rates, minimizing pressure drop, or maximizing diode effects are important requirements in a number of mechanical, thermal, and biomedical applications. The JHU topology optimization group has developed methods and algorithms capable of navigating these important design challenges in architected materials, devices and components.
Architected Materials Design
Architected materials offer tremendous potential for enlarging the suite of material properties available to engineering designers, and providing combinations and properties not available with bulk materials. The JHU topology optimization group has created methods, algorithms, and design solutions for optimizing combinations of mechanical, fluidic, and thermal properties, including elastic properties approaching theoretical bounds, meta material behavior, and band gap materials.
Design for Robustness and Reliability
Manufacturing variations and flaws are inherent in manufacturing processes, and loading conditions are rarely deterministic in real world environments. By formally incorporating uncertainty quantification into topology optimization, we can design components and structures that act robustly in the presence of such uncertainties.
Other Physics: Multifunctional, Thermal, Dynamic, and nonlinear Behaviors
Things get very interesting and challenging when we push design to consider more complex physics. The JHU Topology Optimization Group has made contributions and continues to work in the areas of multi-functional and multi-objective design, design for thermal transport, dynamic response, and nonlinear mechanics.