Design for composites: Tailor-made, bio-inspired topology optimization for fiber-reinforced plastics

A bio-inspired topology optimization approach with simultaneous fiber orientation optimization for fiber-reinforced plastics is introduced. To scrutinize the optimization potential of the new approach when compared to methods not considering fiber orientation during the optimization process, a case study using a bike rocker arm is presented. In this study, slightly better stiffness behavior of the new approach compared to its counterparts could be observed. However, as far as strength behavior (matrix failure) is concerned, significant gains could be achieved, both in numbers and visually.