SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Currently, commercially available structural optimization methods, e.g., topology, shape, etc., result in a mesh-based output. This mesh-based output is not generally in a format directly usable to create a part by either additive manufacturing (AM) or subtractive manufacturing. Further, optimization method that do not incorporate manufacturing constraints often result in complex geometries that can only be realized using AM methods. However, the disadvantage of AM is that both the process and material must be qualified and tested together in order to provide sufficient properties to be evaluated for airworthiness. Consequently, there is an opportunity to combine the strengths of material qualification associated with subtractive manufacturing and the benefits of optimization software to provide the best possible parts in the least amount of time. To accomplish these goals, Material Sciences LLC and University of Pittsburgh will development a novel software package that performs optimization for strength, stiffness, and weight as goals while using machinability on a multi-axis mill and/or lathe as a constraint. The output from the software will be a common platform independent file type for commercial Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, e.g., Standard for the Exchange of Product model data (STEP), Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES), etc
