LatticeOPT: a heuristic topology optimization framework for thin-walled, 2D extruded lattices

This paper introduces a purely heuristic topology optimization framework to improve specific energy absorption for thin-walled, extruded lattice structures. The optimizes the cross section design by iteratively updating wall thicknesses. main novelty of work is two novel thickness update schemes we proposed. first scheme direct statement homogenization wall-wise absorption, while other based on sensitivity parameter inspired bi-directional evolutionary structural method. Both are central idea certain field variables, which has been widely employed in previous frameworks thin-walled proposed high potential because it can directly with commercial finite element packages, and only requires information each element. Without need stiffness matrix, this be used explicit dynamics simulations treat highly nonlinear problems. Three numerical examples presented: (1) column under axial compression, (2) lattice-reinforced beam dynamic three-point bending, (3) lattice-filled sandwich panel blast loading. results show that effectively increase as few 25 simulations.