Max von Zabiensky, M. Sc.

Thermodynamic topology optimization (TTO) can be used to calculate the best possible structure in terms of mechanical properties for given design specifications. With the extension for hyperelastic material behavior and a stable solution algorithm, we at IKM can also optimize soft components that can show large deformations. Here, the structure is optimized with regard to the targeted utilization or prevention of buckling. This enables us to design ideal structures made of rubber-like materials or silicones for specific applications. A concrete example of this are soft robots whose complex functional structures can be extensively simulated using our method.