Designing Volumetric Truss Structures for Computational Fabrication

We present the first algorithm for designing volumetric Michell Trusses. Our method uses a parametrization approach to generate trusses made of structural elements aligned with the primary direction of an objects stress field. Such trusses exhibit high strength-toweight ratio while also being aesthetically pleasing. Unlike traditional approaches to structural optimization, our method produces trusses that can be edited as a post process but retain structural optimality. We also demonstrate the structural robustness of our designs via mechanical testing. Our algorithm permits an exciting combination of control and structural soundness which we believe serves as an important compliment to existing structural optimization tools and as a novel standalone design tool itself.