arXiv subjects

Anna Dalklint

Publications and source records attributed to Anna Dalklint.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Shape optimization of pneumatic soft actuators

Soft actuators, characterized by their compliance and flexibility, have tremendous potential for diverse applications, ranging from medical devices to submarine operations. However, significant challenges remain in the design of these actuators, specifically in maintaining precise control over their mechanical behavior and motion. To date, heuristic methods have been commonly used to design soft actuators, which are potentially incapable of producing designs that achieve specific target behaviors. We propose a gradient-based inverse design framework to synthesize three dimensional soft actuators with tailored mechanical responses. Our design framework utilizes gradient information that captures the inherent geometrical and material nonlinearities of the soft actuator to morph its shape. We exemplify the capabilities of the proposed framework by designing soft actuators with bespoke deformation patterns, making use of sophisticated deformation mechanisms to realize the target behavior. The capabilities of the proposed framework are validated via experimental testing of cast designs, which confirms a strong correlation between measurements and numerical simulations.

cs.CE↗

arXiv2024

On performance bounds for topology optimization

Topology optimization has matured to become a powerful engineering design tool that is capable of designing extraordinary structures and materials taking into account various physical phenomena. Despite the method's great advancements in recent years, several unanswered questions remain. This paper takes a step towards answering one of the larger questions, namely: How far from the global optimum is a given topology optimized design? Typically this is a hard question to answer, as almost all interesting topology optimization problems are non-convex. Unfortunately, this non-convexity implies that local minima may plague the design space, resulting in optimizers ending up in suboptimal designs. In this work, we investigate performance bounds for topology optimization via a computational framework that utilizes Lagrange duality theory. This approach provides a viable measure of how \say{close} a given design is to the global optimum for a subset of optimization formulations. The method's capabilities are exemplified via several numerical examples, including the design of mode converters and resonating plates.

cs.CE↗

arXiv2024

Topology optimization of contact-aided thermo-mechanical regulators

Topology optimization is used to systematically design contact-aided thermo-mechanical regulators, i.e. components whose effective thermal conductivity is tunable by mechanical deformation and contact. The thermo-mechanical interactions are modeled using a fully coupled non-linear thermo-mechanical finite element framework. To obtain the intricate heat transfer response, the components leverage self-contact, which is modeled using a third medium contact method. The effective heat transfer properties of the regulators are tuned by solving a topology optimization problem using a traditional gradient based algorithm. Several designs of thermo-mechanical regulators in the form of switches, diodes and triodes are presented.

cs.CE↗