Feature-driven topology optimization method preserving component sequences considering turning angle constraint

Component sequence preservation is an intrinsic requirement in typical engineering applications, such as deployable chain-like structures, 3D printing structures with contour-parallel toolpaths, additive manufacturing of continuous fibre-reinforced polymer structures, customized stents, and soft robotics parts. This study presents a feature-driven method that preserves component sequences accounting for engineering requirements. The chain-of-bars design variables setting scheme is developed to realize the sequential component's layout, which sets the current bar's end point as the next bar's start point. The total length of the printing path is constrained to reduce the consumption of material accurately. Also, the angle between adjacent bars is constrained to avoid sharp angles at the turning point of the 3D printing path. Next, the sensitivity analysis considering the inter-dependence of substructures is performed. Several numerical examples are given to demonstrate the validity and merits of the proposed method in designing structures preserving component sequences.