Geometric Modeling for Microstructure Design and Manufacturing: A Review of Representations and Modeling Algorithms

• Published in: Computer aided design 2025-03, Vol.180, Article 103834
• Main Authors: Zou, Qiang, Luo, Guoyue
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Additive manufacturing; CAD/CAM; Geometric modeling; Geometric representations; Microstructures; Modeling algorithms
• ISSN: 0010-4485
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cad.2024.103834

Microstructures, characterized by intricate structures at the microscopic scale, hold the promise of important disruptions in the field of mechanical engineering due to the superior mechanical properties they offer. One fundamental technique of microstructure design and manufacturing is geometric modeling, which generates the 3D computer models required to run high-level procedures such as simulation, optimization, and process planning. There is, however, a lack of comprehensive discussions on this body of knowledge. The goal of this paper is to compile existing microstructure modeling methods and clarify the challenges, progress, and limitations of current research. It also concludes with future research directions that may improve and/or complement current methods, such as compressive and generative microstructure representations. By doing so, the paper sheds light on what has already been made possible for microstructure modeling, what developments can be expected in the near future, and which topics remain problematic. •A comprehensive, state-of-the-art review of geometric modeling methods for microstructure design and manufacturing.•A systematic taxonomy and challenge analysis of microstructure modeling.•Important future research directions of microstructure modeling techniques.