A Methodology for Topology and Lattice Structure Optimization of a Cargo Drone Motor Mount

Abstract

This work discusses a CAE driven methodology for designing a lightweight component by performing structural configuration on a given package space, creating a closed surface along this configuration using an interactive geometric modeling tool, and lastly generating lattice members that provide the required stiffness for the structure. The design process is explained starting with topology optimization performed on a single block with specific design constraints. It describes the effect of different parameters on the optimized results and how to analyze these results based on a given volume fraction constraint with the objective of minimizing the compliance. It then talks about why and how a free-form geometry is created using the interactive NURBS surfaces instead of directly using the topology optimized result. Lastly the effect of lattice member size on the total mass and stiffness of the component are studied. The results show that change in lattice cell type and size can cause the mass of the component to increase while the stiffness is reduced considerably.