56th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference at AIAA SciTech 2015 Kissimmee, Florida, USA 5-9 January 2015

AIAA-2015-0455

Topology Optimization of Composite Structures for Multifunctional Behavior

D. Seifert, M. Patil, G. Seidel, and G. Reich
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0203, USA

The paper presents a multi-objective topology optimization of a carbon nanotube (CNT)- epoxy graded nanocomposite beam cross section. The cross section is optimized for maximum torsional rigidity as well as maximum conductivity via a weighted sum approach. Sensitivities are calculated analytically and a Pareto front is presented comparing cross section designs for different weightings on the maximum torsional rigidity and the maximum conductivity. Comments are made on the results and conclusions are drawn on the effectiveness of topology optimization as a multifunctional nanocomposite design tool.