This paper integrates projection-based approaches for implementing overhang constraints with fluid topology optimization to design additively manufactured fluidic components that do not require internal support structures. Internal support structures are challenging, potentially impossible to remove in complex fluid networks, yet would degrade fluidic performance if left within the part. This presents a major challenge in coupling topology optimization with additive manufacturing in the design of fluid components. The proposed approach leverages past work in overhang constraints for solid mechanics, including projection formulations and adjoint sensitivity analysis, and considers incompressible Navier–Stokes equations for laminar fluid flow. The approach is demonstrated on 2D and 3D fluid topology optimization problems to minimize pressure drop and constrain mass flow rates in pipes and manifolds. Resulting designs are crisp, logical, satisfy performance constraints, and satisfy overhang constraints, eliminating the need for internal support structures.

本文将用于实施悬垂约束的基于投影的方法与流体拓扑优化相结合，以设计不需要内部支撑结构的增材制造的流体组件。内部支撑结构具有挑战性，在复杂的流体网络中可能无法移除，但如果留在部件内会降低流体性能。这对与增材制造的耦合拓扑优化提出了重大挑战在流体组件的设计中。所提出的方法利用了过去在固体力学悬垂约束方面的工作，包括投影公式和伴随灵敏度分析，并考虑了层流流体流动的不可压缩 Navier-Stokes 方程。该方法在 2D 和 3D 流体拓扑优化问题上进行了演示，以最小化压力降并限制管道和歧管中的质量流量。由此产生的设计清晰、合乎逻辑、满足性能约束和悬垂约束，消除了对内部支撑结构的需要。