Multi-material topology optimization of complaint mechanism using ground structure approach

Ulti-material compliant mechanisms can enhance the performances of monolithic compliant mechanisms by integrating multiple materials. This paper will conduct systematic research on designing monolithic compliant mechanisms made of multiple materials. A new simple approach called Parallel Optimization Tactic (POT) is presented. POT is a optimization method formalizing the process of propagating multi-material optimization into separate single-material optimizations. The overall mechanical properties of a multi-material structure are generally formulated according to the tensor addition theorem, and the objective function is additively separable. The synthesis of single material optimization is accomplished by the ground structure method. Finally, the benefits and the advantages of POT are demonstrated with several 2D examples of mutual potential energy maximization of multi-material compliant mechanisms.ulti-material compliant mechanisms can enhance the performances of monolithic compliant mechanisms by integrating multiple materials. This paper will conduct systematic research on designing monolithic compliant mechanisms made of multiple materials. A new simple approach called Parallel Optimization Tactic (POT) is presented. POT is a optimization method formalizing the process of propagating multi-material optimization into separate single-material optimizations. The overall mechanical properties of a multi-material structure are generally formulated according to the tensor addition theorem, and the objective function is additively separable. The synthesis of single material optimization is accomplished by the ground structure method. Finally, the benefits and the advantages of POT are demonstrated with several 2D examples of mutual potential energy maximization of multi-material compliant mechanisms.