Loss of bone in the mandible as a result from for example resection of bone tumors or trauma, can in more complex cases be reconstructed using a reconstruction plate to provide stability between the remaining mandible stumps. Different studies on reconstruction plates present a fracture rate of 2.8-9.8 %. The rate of plate fracture and plate loosening increases the need to improve the design of the reconstruction plate. A useful tool to find new designs for structures is topology optimization. Topology optimization is a mathematical based method where it is possible to define an optimization problem for a specific load case. Based on the defined problem, the solver calculates the most appropriate design to reach the final goal. The aim of this work is to investigate, describe, and discuss how new designs for reconstruction plates used for bridging large mandibular defects can be achieved by using topology optimization as a tool.   Two software programs handling topology optimization from Altair Engineering were used: SimLab 14.0 and HyperMesh 14.0. Both of them uses the solver OptiStruct to solve the defined topology optimization problem. The topology optimization problem was defined to minimize the compliance of the structure with an upper limit of the allowed volume fraction used for the new design. Three different clenching tasks were examined: right unilateral clench, clenching in the intercuspal position, and incisal clench. All three load cases resulted in different designs, the designs were also affected by the initial amount of screws used, and by the defined value on the allowed thickness of the created parts in the new design. The results gave an initial understanding of topology optimization, and indicated the possibilities a design process with topology optimization has to achieve new designs for reconstruction plates used for large mandibular fractures.

<p>In order to achieve results that are reliable when using the finite element method one has to use an acceptable element mesh with respect to the shape and size of the elements. As a help to produce an acceptable mesh there are quality criteria that must be fulfilled in most pre-processors.</p><p>One objective with this thesis is to perform a sensitivity study that can be used as a basis for a Mesh guideline for chassis parts which is requested from engineers at Volvo 3P. The software used in the sensitivity study is ANSA as pre-processor, Nastran as solver and Metapost as post-processor.</p><p>In the first part of the sensitivity study three different models are used for studying quality criteria such as aspect ratio, skewness, mid point alignment, mid point deviation and element size. Solid elements of second order, which are used in the three models, can be generated in two ways, which constitutes another part of the sensitivity study. They may either be generated from the beginning or can be converted from first order elements. This means geometrically that if second order elements where generated from the beginning the element mesh would follow the shape of the component in a better way compared to the other method.</p><p>Recently a pre- and post-processing program called SimLab was introduced on the market. Since SimLab supports geometry import from several CAD-systems without loss of feature information, the automatic element mesh generation is supposed to be better as the mesh generator has access to more information concerning the geometry. An evaluation of SimLab is the second major objective of the thesis. More specifically, the evaluation concerns the possibility of using the software at Volvo 3P.</p><p>Results show a surprising insensitivity regarding the criteria and that the method of generating second order elements from the beginning is to be preferred. SimLab is a new program with big potential and the conclusion is that it is possible to use it at Volvo 3P.</p>

In order to achieve results that are reliable when using the finite element method one has to use an acceptable element mesh with respect to the shape and size of the elements. As a help to produce an acceptable mesh there are quality criteria that must be fulfilled in most pre-processors. One objective with this thesis is to perform a sensitivity study that can be used as a basis for a Mesh guideline for chassis parts which is requested from engineers at Volvo 3P. The software used in the sensitivity study is ANSA as pre-processor, Nastran as solver and Metapost as post-processor. In the first part of the sensitivity study three different models are used for studying quality criteria such as aspect ratio, skewness, mid point alignment, mid point deviation and element size. Solid elements of second order, which are used in the three models, can be generated in two ways, which constitutes another part of the sensitivity study. They may either be generated from the beginning or can be converted from first order elements. This means geometrically that if second order elements where generated from the beginning the element mesh would follow the shape of the component in a better way compared to the other method. Recently a pre- and post-processing program called SimLab was introduced on the market. Since SimLab supports geometry import from several CAD-systems without loss of feature information, the automatic element mesh generation is supposed to be better as the mesh generator has access to more information concerning the geometry. An evaluation of SimLab is the second major objective of the thesis. More specifically, the evaluation concerns the possibility of using the software at Volvo 3P. Results show a surprising insensitivity regarding the criteria and that the method of generating second order elements from the beginning is to be preferred. SimLab is a new program with big potential and the conclusion is that it is possible to use it at Volvo 3P.