TopOpt CubeSat

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The TopOpt CubeSat design features a main body, top and bottom plates, and rails, all created using aluminum (AlSi10Mg) through Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). The optimized structure is lightweight at just 72.53 grams, with an open design that facilitates unobstructed heat transfer between internal components and the skin. It boasts a total material volume of 27.16 cm³ and an internal unobstructed volume of 903.1 cm³, making it ideal for wire routing and equipment installation. The design can withstand a maximum deflection of 0.098 mm under 69G and a max stress of 7.99 MPa. Despite its strength, the structure would have been even heavier if titanium had been used instead of aluminum, or if thicker members were required for plastic materials.