Transfer Topologies

Exploring the Union of Structural and Thermal Flows in Cellular Facades

Overview

Abstract

This research looks at the relationship of material and geometric distribution to set a methodology for integrating structural and thermal design. The basis being that today, a separation of concerns is witnessed between these two fields, resulting in excessive facade multi-layering and redundant material use.

The aim is to explore the feedback loop that can be created between a structural system and a thermal scheme in order to develop a deeper understanding of the synergies and clashes between both systems. This is done through investigating a multi-topology design language that capitalizes on an existing structural networks to carry out selective thermal exchanges. The intention here is to tune loading distribution to thermal opportunities on several scales and re-merge the concerns of thermal and structural design. This is done through applying a thermal hollow core wall design to maximize insulation potential in cellular facades that are structurally optimized for various loading.

Multi-scale optimization is carried out to address the architectural implications of the union of both these fields and map out possible integrations. The tested design proposition works with the idea of material removal, to tune the inosculation of flows in a thermal resistance scheme. The aim is to use cellular geometries to increase insulation potential through strategic material removal. Structural optimization +studies are carried out in addition to thermal physical testing to determine performance.


Authors


Keywords

Introduction

The research presented in this report intends to expand the notion of structure as a regulator of internal environments. This section seeks to identify the different ways in which structure

Access Restricted

Members get unlimited access to all of our resources. Join now for the best value.

Background

When looking at the deeper material properties that highlight the disparities between systems of strength and thermal response, an analogy can be made across the existing material spectrum. Using Michael

Access Restricted

Members get unlimited access to all of our resources. Join now for the best value.

Method

This section intends to form a base for the methodology of designing for both structural and thermal functions. It looks at the scales at which such an approach is relevant

Access Restricted

Members get unlimited access to all of our resources. Join now for the best value.

Data

Calculated u-value

In order to understand the effect of the decrease in material and the addition of two cavity layers on thermal resistance the below study was carried out. Three cases

Access Restricted

Members get unlimited access to all of our resources. Join now for the best value.

Explanation

Looking at the results obtained, three main conclusions can be drawn:

Calculated versus measured: As mentioned previously, the measured u-vlaue represents an increase of about 50% as compared to the calculated

Access Restricted

Members get unlimited access to all of our resources. Join now for the best value.

Conclusion and Future Work

Overall, this research set out to develop a methodology for integrating structural and thermal design and test a design outcome. The primary intention was to re-merge the concerns and have

Access Restricted

Members get unlimited access to all of our resources. Join now for the best value.

Architectural Implementation

The research presented in this report aims to develop a design workflow for analysis and testing in thermo-structural design. As a next step, the architectural implications are investigated to determine

Access Restricted

Members get unlimited access to all of our resources. Join now for the best value.

Acknowledgements

This project was advised by Panagiotis Michalatos and Salmaan Craig at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. The author would like to acknowledge their guidance and support.

Rights and Permissions

Ajdari, Amin, Hamid Nayeb-Hashemi, and Ashkan Vaziri. "Dynamic Crushing and Energy Absorption of Regular, Irregular and Functionally Graded Cellular Structures." International Journal of Solids and Structures 48.3-4 (2011): 506-16

Al-Homoud, Dr. Mohammad S. "Performance Characteristics and Practical Applications of Common Building Thermal Insulation Materials." Building and Environment 40.3 (2005): 353-66

Bejan, A., 2013b. Design in nature : how the constructal law governs evolution in biology, physics, technology, and social organization. First Anchor Books edition. edn. New York : Anchor Books, January 2013.

Chai, Herzl. "On Optimizing Crash Energy and Load-bearing Capacity in Cellular Structures." International Journal of Solids and Structures 45, no. 2 (2008): 528-39. doi:10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2007.08.001.

Fazekas, A., R. Dendievel, L. Salvo, and Y. Bréchet. "Effect of Microstructural Topology upon the Stiffness and Strength of 2D Cellular Structures."International Journal of Mechanical Sciences 44.10 (2002): 2047-066

Gibson, Lorna J., and M. F. Ashby. Cellular Solids: Structure & Properties. Oxford: Pergamon, 1988. Print.

Grobman, Yasha J., and Yosie Elimelech. "Microclimate on Building Envelopes: Testing Geometry Manipulations as an Approach for Increasing Building Envelopes' Thermal Performance." Architectural Science Review (2015): 1-10

Kočí, Jan, Jiří Maděra, Miloš Jerman, and Robert Černý. "Computational Assessment of Thermal Performance of Contemporary Ceramic Blocks with Complex Internal Geometry in Building Envelopes." Energy and Buildings 99 (2015): 61-66

Kumar, Rajesh S., and David L. Mcdowell. "Multifunctional Design of Two-dimensional Cellular Materials with Tailored Mesostructure." International Journal of Solids and Structures: 2871-885.

Lorente, S., and A. Bejan. "Combined `flow and Strength' Geometric Optimization: Internal Structure in a Vertical Insulating Wall with Air Cavities and Prescribed Strength." International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 45.16 (2002): 3313-320

Lu, T.j., and C. Chen. "Thermal Transport and Fire Retardance Properties of Cellular Aluminium Alloys." Acta Materialia: 1469-485. Print.

Menges, Achim, Bob Sheil, and Ruairi Glynn. "Fabricate: Rethinking Design and Construction." Accessed 2018. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/1546589/1/Fabricate.pdf.

Otto, Frei, and Winfried Nerdinger. Frei Otto: Complete Works: Lightweight Construction, Natural Design. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2005

"Passivhaus: The Passivhaus Standard." Passivhaus: The Passivhaus Standard. Web. http://www.passivhaus.org.uk/standard.jsp?id=122

Schwartz, D. S. Porous and Cellular Materials for Structural Applications: Symposium Held April 13-15, 1998, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.Warrendale, Pa.: Materials Research Society, 1998. Print

"Thermal Structural Analysis." 3D CAD Design Software SOLIDWORKS. Web. http://www.solidworks.com/sw/products/simulation/thermal-structural-analysis.htm

"Thermal Bridges - How to Avoid Them." Thermal Bridges - How to Avoid Them. http://www.passivhaustagung.de/Passive_House_E/passive_house_avoiding_thermal_brigdes.html

Timoshenko, Stephen. History of Strength of Materials: With a Brief Account of the History of Theory of Elasticity and Theory of Structures. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1953. Print.

Zhai, Zhiqiang (John), and Jonathan M. Previtali. "Ancient Vernacular Architecture: Characteristics Categorization and Energy Performance Evaluation." Energy and Buildings 42.3 (2010): 357-65