Support structure constrained topology optimization for additive manufacturing

In this paper, we propose a TO methodology that will lead to designs requiring significantly reduced support structures. Towards this end, the concept of 'support structure topological sensitivity' is introduced. This is combined with performance sensitivity to result in a TO framework that maximizes performance, subject to support structure constraints. The robustness and efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated through numerical experiments, and validated through fused deposition modeling, a popular AM process.