Computational Design and Analysis of Shell Topologies driven by Different Microstructural Patterns found in Natural Materials

This study aims to introduce new topological solutions in shell structures by transferring the microstructural characteristics of natural materials into macro-scale structures. The methodology is built on three stages, including investigating the microstructure of natural materials, translating this knowledge into the design of shell structures, and assessing their structural behaviour by using Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis. Different algorithms are operated to undertake different tasks in the process, including the creation of cellular solids, their transformation into shell structures, and structural performance evaluations. Structural analysis results of cellular solid-based shells showed that lattice-based shell structures performed better compared to open-cell foams in terms of their structural strength however, obtained disadvantages in terms of their overall mass and material utilization.