Topology and Shape Preserved Lightweight of Shell Models Utilizing Heat Diffusion

Abstract

Lightweight is one of the most important research subjects in modern manufacturing. However, the research on lightweight of shell models is rare, and most limited in topological changes. This paper proposes a topology and shape preserved lightweight framework of shell models that consists of model analysis, lightweight modeling and analysis, and 3D printing and practical validation in an optimum iterative procedure. Specifically, firstly, both geometric features and empirical features are introduced to construct a frame structure. Secondly, a heat diffusion is exploited to simulate the stress distribution due to two reasons, one is that they have the similar physical transmissibility, the other is that the heat diffusion is smooth, and it guarantees that the thickness variation is smooth and natural without restriction on the degrees of freedom. Then, a local iteration consists of local heat simulation and stress analysis is utilized to further improve the efficiency. Finally, we use 3D printer to manufacture testing models, and apply them to practical verification and feedback. Our extensive experiments have exhibited many attractive properties, including the flexibility and freedom of the thickness variation, the effectiveness and credibility of the lightweight.