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Benliang Zhu

Bio: Benliang Zhu is an academic researcher from South China University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Topology optimization & Compliant mechanism. The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 76 publications receiving 987 citations. Previous affiliations of Benliang Zhu include Kyoto University & University of Oldenburg.

Papers published on a yearly basis

Papers
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A survey of the state-of-the-art design advances in this research area over the past 20 years is presented and can be helpful to those engaged in the topology optimization of compliant mechanisms who desire to be apprised of the field’s recent state and research tendency.

198 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Compared to other traditional diaphragm types, a significant increase in sensitivity can be achieved by the proposed sensor, and the membrane deflection and nonlinearity error considerably decrease.
Abstract: This paper presents the design methodology and fabrication process of a novel piezoresistive pressure sensor with a combined cross-beam membrane and peninsula (CBMP) diaphragm structure for micropressure measurements. The sensor is then analyzed through various experiments. The sensor is primarily designed based on the optimized sensitivity, and a finite-element method is used to predict the stresses that are induced in the piezoresistors and the deflection of the membrane under different pressures. Compared to other traditional diaphragm types, a significant increase in sensitivity can be achieved by the proposed sensor, and the membrane deflection and nonlinearity error considerably decrease. The sensor fabrication process is performed on an n-type single-crystal silicon wafer, and photolithography is used with five masks to fabricate the sensing elements. Additionally, piezoresistors are formed by boron implantation. The experimental results indicate that the fabricated sensor with the CBMP membrane yields a high sensitivity of 25.7 mV/kPa and a low nonlinearity of −0.28% full-scale span for a pressure range of 0–5 kPa at room temperature.

90 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A 213-line MATLAB code for topology optimization of geometrically nonlinear structures developed based on the density method that adopts the ANSYS parametric design language (APDL) that provides convenient access to advanced finite element analysis (FEA).
Abstract: This paper presents a 213-line MATLAB code for topology optimization of geometrically nonlinear structures. It is developed based on the density method. The code adopts the ANSYS parametric design language (APDL) that provides convenient access to advanced finite element analysis (FEA). An additive hyperelasticity technique is employed to circumvent numerical difficulties in solving the material density-based topology optimization of elastic structures undergoing large displacements. The sensitivity information is obtained by extracting the increment of the element strain energy. The validity of the code is demonstrated by the minimum compliance problem and the compliant inverter problem.

63 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a method for topology optimization of hinge-free compliant mechanisms with multiple outputs using level set method is presented, where two types of mean compliances are introduced and built in the proposed multi-objective function.
Abstract: A method for topology optimization of hinge-free compliant mechanisms with multiple outputs using level set method is presented in this paper. The focus of this paper is on how to prevent generating the flexible hinges during the process of topology optimization of compliant mechanisms. In the proposed method, two types of mean compliances are introduced and built in the proposed multi-objective function for topology optimization of hinge-free compliant mechanisms with multiple outputs, therefore, the spring model widely used for topology optimization of compliant mechanisms is no longer needed. Some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the validity of the proposed method.

57 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An accelerated level set evolution algorithm is developed by adding an extra energy function, which can force the level set function to close to a signed distance function during the evolution.
Abstract: SUMMARY A new level set method for topology optimization of distributed compliant mechanism is presented in this study. By taking two types of mean compliance into consideration, several new objective functions are developed and built in the conventional level set method to avoid generating the de facto hinges in the created mechanisms. Aimed at eliminating the costly reinitialization procedure during the evolution of the level set function, an accelerated level set evolution algorithm is developed by adding an extra energy function, which can force the level set function to close to a signed distance function during the evolution. Two widely studied numerical examples in topology optimization of compliant mechanisms are studied to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

51 citations


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Book ChapterDOI
27 Jan 2010

878 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors highlight the recent advances in buckling-induced smart applications and explain why buckling responses have certain advantages and are especially suitable for these particular applications, and identify potential research avenues and emerging trends for using buckling and other elastic instabilities for future innovations.
Abstract: A paradigm shift has emerged over the last decade pointing to an exciting research area dealing with the harnessing of elastic structural instabilities for ‘smart’ purposes in a variety of venues. Among the different types of unstable responses, buckling is a phenomenon that has been known for centuries, and yet it is generally avoided through special design modifications. Increasing interest in the design of smart devices and mechanical systems has identified buckling and postbuckling response as a favorable behavior. The objective of this topical review is to showcase the recent advances in buckling-induced smart applications and to explain why buckling responses have certain advantages and are especially suitable for these particular applications. Interesting prototypes in terms of structural forms and material uses associated with these applications are summarized. Finally, this review identifies potential research avenues and emerging trends for using buckling and other elastic instabilities for future innovations.

273 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is shown that in the research of topology optimization for additive manufacturing, the integration of material, structure, process and performance is important to pursue high-performance, multi-functional and lightweight production.

224 citations