Topology optimization of the optical bench for the MicroMED dust analyzer

In this work, the optimization of the optical bench for the MicroMED dust analyzer is presented. A nonconventional design technique has been exploited to obtain a mass saving, valuable achievement in aerospace and space instruments design. Topology optimization has been coupled to the finite element approach to improve the optical bench design, whose performance has been assessed and compared with the actual one. The optimization results proved the robustness of the adopted workflow and provided interesting results for a possible design enhancement of the MicroMED dust analyzer. A saving of about 55% of the available design domain mass budget has been achieved, and the dynamic behavior of the structural component has been improved, providing about 50% increase of the first eigenfrequency value.