Streamlining design cycles with a flexible geometry reconstruction method

Topology optimization is a powerful tool for the development of light and strong structures. Due to the preliminary nature of the resulting design proposals, a geometry reconstruction process is required. This primarily serves the purpose to create a functional design. In doing so, parameterization of the geometry and the option to modify are demanded in product development as well as automation. A specific medial axis based reconstruction method not only facilitates the automation, but also the intervention with several possibilities for modification of an optimized design proposal. In this paper, we examine at an examplary use case, how this practice could reduce design iteration cycles, although intermediate new design requirements emerge. We discuss the advantages and limitations of this approach.