Dual-Scale Collaborative Optimization of Microtubule Self-Healing Composites Based on Variable-Angle Fiber Design

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Composite Materials

Background:

• Self-healing composites require enhanced mechanical properties and efficient healing mechanisms.
• Optimizing fiber orientation and network carrier design is crucial for performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative optimization method for variable-angle fiber-reinforced self-healing composites.
• To minimize macroscopic structural compliance and microtubule network carrier head loss.

Main Methods:

• Introduced a topological description function (TDF) incorporating macroscopic structure and microtubule network carrier geometry.
• Established fiber laying angle-component spindle direction relationship and derived an element stiffness matrix for variable-angle fibers.
• Developed a dual-scale collaborative optimization framework using the Moving Morphable Component (MMC) and enumeration methods.

Main Results:

• Variable-angle fiber designs yielded superior non-inferior solution sets compared to fixed-angle designs.
• The dual-scale collaborative optimization provided better compliance solutions than single-objective optimization, with a maximum compliance increase of only 10.64%.

Conclusions:

• The proposed variable-angle, dual-scale collaborative optimization method offers a significant advancement in self-healing composite design.
• This approach provides a valuable reference for topology optimization of self-healing composites with enhanced mechanics and healing properties.