Topology Optimization in Practical Application
Designing components in lightweight construction saves both material and energy. For example, in the automotive industry or in the aerospace industry, less mass means greater range, and greater range means less fuel load. Actually, nature shows us how structures with minimal material withstand high loads. With the aid of topology optimization and the finite element method (FEM) engineers imitate natural construction principles and create bionic designs.
However, the results are not always quite literally "load-bearing" – not unfrequently, in practical application it is evident that the design does not withstand the loads in all application situations. In such situations components fail in practical applications. They fail because the process is complex and has some inherent obstacles. Extensive experience is required to consistently avoid such problems.
Christian Feurer, a design and calculation expert in the field of aircraft construction, uses a practical example to show how the problems associated with lightweight construction can be successfully overcome. If you would like to know which formulas can be used to determine important properties and what design principles are absolutely essential, you should register now and download our whitepaper "The 3 Basic Rules of Topology Optimization."