Adaptive frameworks topology optimization

A main issue in adaptive structures design is to define the optimal number of degrees of freedom (DOFs), their location and, consequently, the optimal type/number and location of the actuators. A limited number of DOFs simplifies the mechanism control and can result in an actuation process with reduced energy requirements. On the other side, too few DOFs could also restrain too much the structure adaptability, depending on the set objective. The paper focuses the attention over variable geometry structures which can be represented by equivalent pin-joint networks, such as rigid-foldable origami or morphing trusses, and proposes a topology optimization process based on the rigidity evaluation of the framework. Since, for this particular structural system, both DOFs number and location depend on topology, this aspect has to be considered in order to optimize the mechanism. In particular the case study of a free-form adaptive envelope is presented where the topology is defined through the proposed optimization strategy.