Topology optimization of an aircraft structural part for additive manufacturing

Topology optimization is a powerful tool for creating high-performance parts that meet specific functional requirements while minimizing material usage and manufacturing costs. It typically involves creating a digital model of the part, defining the functional requirements and constraints, and using software algorithms to generate a range of possible designs. Although this tool has been used for many years, there have always been many problems in the manufacture of optimized parts. As technology develops, there have been significant developments in various manufacturing techniques to be able to implement optimized parts for industries. One of the most important techniques is additive manufacturing (AM). The combination of topology optimization and AM has brought several advantages to eliminating the manufacturing difficulties of the parts that are topologically optimized, especially in the aerospace industry. With these developments, the optimized design can be produced using AM and the final part can have a geometry designed according to its intended use. This thesis provides an overall study of optimization advantages by making comparisons using parts that are designed and analyzed with traditional and additive manufacturing techniques per different AM materials.