Parameterized shape optimization of programmable liquid crystal elastomer structures
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There has been significant recent interest in the use of thermally activated liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) components to achieve shape morphing structures. LCE components exhibit large reversible deformation upon heating, which can be leveraged to design structures with programmable, thermally dependent shape change. These reversible shape changing structures show promising potential applications in areas such as soft robotics, passive sensing, smart materials, bistable structures, and compliant mechanisms. However, the design and layout of LCE components required to enable such functional shape change can be challenging and non-intuitive. Gradient based inverse design techniques have been explored as a potential solution, but face difficulties in optimizing both structure and LCE orientation while producing designs which retain manufacturability. Here we explore the implementation of a gradient based parameterized shape optimization technique, utilizing implicit level set descriptors and conformal mesh morphing. We demonstrate the design of 3D-printable LCE filaments for targeted geometric states, leveraging interactions between active and inactive materials to achieve significant, programmable shape change.
