Category Archives: Applications

Prosthetic Knee Joint

An injection moldable prosthetic knee-joint (link) was topology optimized. The material to be used is Derlin. Three load cases were applied as ISO-10328 specifications require. The prosthesis is composed of three main parts. All of them were optimized, to get … Continue reading

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MAN Diesel

MAN Diesel (link) uses topology optimization for large diesel engines used for propulsion of ships and stationary power plants. In one example they optimize the Cylinder Frame which connects cylinder liner to engine frame. The engine itself is huge, the … Continue reading

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BMW Mini

BMW utilizes a topology optimized cross beam named R56 in the Mini (link). The structure was optimized and produced by Meridian Lightweight Technologies Inc. While the weight savings are not reported, the final structure is said to be 4.49kg, which … Continue reading

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Lotus-Usa

  Lotus-Usa is reported to use topology optimization to develop a low weight body in white structure (link). To be honest we cannot see how the results are incorporated to the design, as the structure seems to lack any cross … Continue reading

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Rinspeed eXasis

Rinspeed eXasis is a mostly transparent concept car developed to demonstrate advanced polymer technologies by Bayer MaterialScience AG. The car is reported to be drivable as it is. Topology Optimization was incorporated while designing the car, which is apparent from … Continue reading

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Continental

Continental,  hydraulic brake systems supplier, employed topology optimization to design 2FNR-Al aluminum brake caliper’s housing. The structure provides the same amount of stiffness, while losing 440 grams from its initial weight of 4,185 grams (%10). (link 1, link 2)

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Hegerguss

Hegerguss, a foundry specialized in spheroidal graphite cast irons, uses topology optimization to design structures. The component shown above is reported to be %57 lighter than the conventional counterpart. The company also uses casting simulations to ensure the best performance … Continue reading

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Magna Steyr

Magna Steyr uses topology and shape optimization to improve fatigue life of components. It seems that they are using their own software FEMFAT in conjunction with other commercial software to reach the desired results. FEMFAT is a software specialized in … Continue reading

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Airbus

Airbus researches use of topology optimization on aircraft wing ribs (link). It is stated that usage of topology optimization results in around 1000 kg of weight savings per aircraft. (link for photo)

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Brembo

Brembo, the worldwide brake technology giant uses topology optimization for GP4 RR and GP4 RX calipers. The calipers are intended for Moto2 racing and are machined from billet. It is stated that thanks to topology optimization these calipers are much … Continue reading

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