Inspired by the research of former PADT engineer and now ASU professor, Dr. Dhruv Bhate, the idea was to take a look at how nature uses repeating structures and responses to loads to optimize structures and to use 3D Printing as a way to create the derived shapes, growing geometry just as nature does. That Phase I was received well and led to a Phase II grant in 2019 to dig specifically into lattice structures. In addition to that work was the development of a topological optimization tool that could look at multiple types of loads and create aperiodic lattice topologies.
Researchers at NASA like those results enough to then grant PADT a Phase III project to further the development of the optimization tool and to connect it to a fluid-thermal optimization tool developed at Penn State under a separate NASA project. The study is called “Thermo-Fluid and Structural Design Optimization for Thermal Management” and it will look at creating structures that are strong, light weight, and have the thermal performance required for difficult launch and space-based missions.
You can read more in the press release below or here: PDF | HTML.
We are exceptionally proud of all three phases of this project because they show:
- PADT’s ability to work with academia for R&D that results in useful tools
- Our deep and broad understanding of simulation across physics
- How our unique expertise in Additive Manufacturing can be combined with our simulation knowledge to turn theory into practical hardware.
If you have needs in any of these areas or are just looking for a strong R&D partner that can help make your innovation work, reach out to PADT.