Logan Nagy

Mini Randall under construction

Data analysis of optimization experiment showing trends in two inputs and overall fitness function in red over time (click to enlarge)
For fitness, lower numbers are better.

A mini-Randall test drive prototype without the pen holder or tube shell

A low-tech test casting: cut foam cubes, stack, mix balls foam into cement, pour, break away cubes.

Simple stacking of the mold cubes works when they are clamped together in all 3 directions. The next step is to go larger with steel bars going through in an offset grid, acting as both clamps and temporary support structure.

Every structure has varying amounts of path intersections/overlaps such that some tests have more or less mass than others.

Rhino-based optimization workflow

Overview of custom vB scripting nodes developed within the Grasshopper environment to create generative geometry for the Rhino optimization workflow. Specific descriptions of the sorting algorithms used to derive the geometry to come.

Test prints of some of the top performing variations

Generative structure 3d print test

The obligatory time-lapse video of our first 3d print of one of the structures derived from an optimization digital workflow.

Rhino-based optimization workflow test

First test of a new workflow for structural optimization based completely within the grasshopper plug-in for Rhinoceros 3d.

Rhino workflow: top performing results in 5 tests with various weights assigned to maximum deflection and model mass as fitness criteria. From deflection being most important on the left, to mass being most important on the right. In these experiments, the optimization algorithm is trying to get the best overall performance while negotiating between the structural performance and the amount of structure used.