title: Virtual topological optimisation of scaffolds for rapid prototyping.
abstract: Advanced additive techniques are now being developed to fabricate scaffolds with controlled architecture for tissue engineering. These techniques combine computer-aided design (CAD) with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) tools to produce three-dimensional structures layer by layer in a multitude of materials. Actual prediction of the effective mechanical properties of scaffolds produced by additive technologies, is very important for tissue engineering applications. A novel computer based technique for scaffold design is topological optimisation. Topological optimisation is a form of "shape" optimisation, usually referred to as "layout" optimisation. The goal of topological optimisation is to find the best use of material for a body that is subjected to either a single load or a multiple load distribution. This paper proposes a topological optimisation scheme in order to obtain the ideal topological architectures of scaffolds, maximising its mechanical behaviour.
authors.affiliation: Centro Empresarial da Marinha Grande, Rua de Portugal-Zona Industrial, Marinha Grande 2430-028, Portugal. henrique@estg.ipleiria.pt
authors.forename: Henrique de Amorim
authors.initials: Hde A
authors.lastname: Almeida
authors.forename: Paulo Jorge da Silva
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Bártolo
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D016062:Porosity; D033081:Shear Strength; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials