A new fluid-based strategy for the connection of non-matching lattice materials

Abstract: We present a new algorithm for the design of the connection region between different lattice materials. We solve a Stokes-type topology optimization problem on a narrow morphing region to smoothly connect two different unit cells. The proposed procedure turns out to be effective and provides a local re-design of the materials, leading to a very mild modification of the mechanical behaviour characterizing the original lattices. The robustness of the algorithm is assessed in terms of sensitivity of the final layout to different parameters. Both the cases of Cartesian and non-Cartesian morphing regions are successfully investigated.