Computational Design and Mechanics (CDM)

Vision

Future devices for precision equipment will exhibit increasingly complex, 3-dimensional structures across all scales and. This development is driven by increasing demands on efficiency, functionality and/or sustainability, requiring ever denser functional integration and complex 3D architectures. With continuing advances in (additive) manufacturing technology, designing these complex structures becomes the limiting factor, as design challenges exceed the capabilities of established design approaches. Novel computational design strategies will be key enablers for the realization of these structures via a symbiosis of fundamental and multidisciplinary knowledge and advanced manufacturing technology.

Mission

Our mission is to develop advanced and globally relevant computational design strategies and techniques. Focus is on structures whose functionality includes challenging mechanical aspects and are relevant to industry. Next to the development of new knowledge, our mission also includes transfer and dissemination thereof through education and training of MSc and PhD students, and by close involvement of industry.

Objective 

Our objective is to establish internationally recognized, relevant design methodologies and (automated) design techniques, which are used in practice and have positive societal and economic impact. For methodologies, we aim to translate fundamental knowledge in unique and innovative designs and design procedures. Regarding automated design techniques, we aim to play a key role internationally in topology optimization for additive manufacturing.

Strategy

The main pillars of CDM’s research program are solid mechanics and structural optimization. Topic wise, projects link to the mission outlined above and exhibit challenges in terms of solid mechanics and/or structural optimization.