Optimization of auxetic tubular structures with dragonfly-wing-shape cells through advanced multiobjective optimization techniques

Interest in auxetic structures has surged due to their unique mechanical behavior, including a negative Poisson’s ratio and exceptional energy absorption (EA) capabilities. This study aims to enhance the mechanical properties of tubular structures using a dragonfly-shaped auxetic unit cell. An optimization framework is implemented to simultaneously minimize three critical structural objectives: Poisson’s ratio, mass, and stress. Numerical simulations facilitate metamodeling via the response surface method, creating surrogate models that accurately represent each response variable. A metaheuristic optimization technique, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm, is then employed to optimize these responses for compression performance. Experimental validation supports the numerical findings, with two optimized designs proposed. The first design (TOPSIS 1) shows reductions in Poisson’s ratio by up to 3% and stress by 45%, while the second design (TOPSIS 2) demonstrates a stress reduction of 498%. Additionally, experimental validation reveals significant improvements in EA capabilities, with TOPSIS 1 and TOPSIS 2 increasing EA by 58% and 545%, respectively, compared to the baseline. The integration of Industry 4.0 concepts, such as additive manufacturing and numerical simulation, proves essential in achieving efficient and effective outcomes, highlighting the importance of advanced manufacturing techniques in enhancing structural design paradigms.