Packaging design for Peruvian Chocolatier, Death by Xoko.
Topology optimization is a robust tool for structural design that can autonomously generate efficient forms within a given design domain by ascribing construction material to key locations of the structure while simultaneously removing it from underutilized areas.
This model was fabricated from scrap aluminum in just under 20 minutes using a waterjet cutting machine.
This is a truss that emerged from a mesh of truss elements based on the loading conditions I imposed. I designed the algorithm to consider the trusses to be weaker in tension than compression, as though they were of a concrete material.
I also set up a workflow to convert the truss design so it could be fabricated using a 3D printer.
I converted the data from Matlab into a rhino model through a Grasshopper script, which allowed me to put instructions through to the 3D printer.
For my thesis, which remains in progress, I am modulating Topology Optimization scripts to assume different tensile capacity in concrete given the same loading conditions. I will mill formwork for these designs using a CNC router, and test the concrete forms in MIT's Civil Engineering Lab.