Topology Synthesis of Two-Phase Compliant Actuators

This paper describes how the topology optimization method can be used as a tool for the synthesis of two-phase compliant actuators. Two materials, one or both being active materials, are distributed in a design domain such that the work performed on an elastic workpiece is maximized. The two-material design is obtained by introducing two variables per element. One variable determines the relative density of material in the element and the other variable determines the material type. Examples demonstrate the design of thermal actuators and gripping mechanisms.