Abstract: A method of manufacturing a load-bearing structure. The method may include establishing overall dimensions and expected loading conditions of the load-bearing structure; determining a material density distribution within a solid model for the load-bearing structure based on the overall dimensions and the expected loading conditions for a predetermined objective end constraint; generating stress field data for the determined material density distribution based on the expected loading conditions; transforming the solid model into a spatially-graded mesh model having a plurality of three-dimensional cells based on orthogonal isostatic lines populated along principal stress directions of the stress field data; and fabricating the load-bearing structure with truss members aligned according to the spatially-graded mesh model. A system for manufacturing a load-bearing structure and a load-bearing structure manufactured thereof.

Abstract: A device such as an aerofoil which in use is subject to fluid flow, includes an outer surface part the geometry of which is variable to affect the fluid flow, the device including a support structure which supports the outer surface part, the support structure being internal of the device and including a plurality of support members of composite material the geometry of the support structure being changeable by an actuating apparatus, between a first stable geometry and a second stable geometry to effect variation in the geometry of the outer surface part, the support members providing structure stiffness to the outer surface part.

Abstract: A device such as an aerofoil which in use is subject to fluid flow, includes an outer surface part the geometry of which is variable to affect the fluid flow, the device including a support structure which supports the outer surface part, the support structure being internal of the device and including a plurality of support members of composite material the geometry of the support structure being changeable by an actuating apparatus, between a first stable geometry and a second stable geometry to effect variation in the geometry of the outer surface part, the support members providing structure stiffness to the outer surface part.