An optimised family of anisotropic microstructures with application to functionally graded materials

We design an anisotropic, multiparametric family of optimised microstructures. The microstructures are parametrised by their Young's moduli in the three axial directions. The family is smooth, in the sense that the features are similar enough for shape interpolation of the microstructures and interpolation of material properties. We demonstrate how the microstructure family can be used to provide functionally graded materials that match required material property gradients. The microstructure family could also be utilised for multi-scale design of macrosocpic structures with spatially varying microstructure. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved