Topology optimization and 3D-printing fabrication feasibility of high voltage FGM insulator

This paper presents the design method using topology optimization and the fabricating feasibility using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing technique for Functionally Graded Material (FGM) insulator. The concepts of FGM and topology optimization are primarily introduced. And a topology optimization approach based on COMSOL Multiphisics is proposed. The optimization objective is to uniform the electric field (E-field) inside/along insulator surface for high electrical withstanding strength. As a result, a proper distribution of permittivity inside the insulator is obtained and the maximum value of E is significantly reduced. The higher the upper bound of permittivity is, the better E-field uniformity is. Finally, it is shown that FDM technique has the potential to be applied to fabricating FGM insulator. However, several technical obstacles have to be overcome before industrial application.