Mesoscale Lattice Structure Design and Simulation with the Support of a Property Database

Author(s):  
Guoying Dong ◽  
Yunlong Tang ◽  
Yaoyao Fiona Zhao

The lattice structure is a type of cellular materials [1] that has truss-like structures with interconnected struts and nodes in a three-dimensional (3D) space. Compared to other cellular materials such as random foams and honeycombs, the lattice structures exhibit better mechanical performance [2]. Some examples of lattice structures are shown in Figure 8.1. The first one is a randomized lattice structure. Due to the disordered lattice cells, the properties of this type of lattice structures are stochastic and difficult to control. But it can be used as implants in orthopedic surgeries. The second and the third are lattice structures with periodic unit cells. The difference is that the strut thickness of the second one is uniform, which is called homogeneous lattice structures. However, the third one has non-uniform strut thickness for specific loading conditions, which is called heterogeneous lattice structures. By properly adjusting the material in vital parts of the lattice structure, the heterogeneous periodic lattice structure can have a better mechanical performance than the homogeneous one with the same weight. Plenty of design and optimization methods [3-5] have been proposed for lattice structures to pursue better performance in different engineering applications. For example, the lattice structure is applied to achieve lightweight [3, 4], energy absorption [6], and thermal management [7]. Due to the complexity of the geometry, the fabrication of lattice structures had been the most critical issue. However, with the development of Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes, the difficulty in the fabrication was largely relieved.

Aerospace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 207
Author(s):  
Solomon O. Obadimu ◽  
Kyriakos I. Kourousis

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology has undergone an evolutionary process from fabricating test products and prototypes to fabricating end-user products—a major contributing factor to this is the continuing research and development in this area. AM offers the unique opportunity to fabricate complex structures with intricate geometry such as the lattice structures. These structures are made up of struts, unit cells, and nodes, and are being used not only in the aerospace industry, but also in the sports technology industry, owing to their superior mechanical properties and performance. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the mechanical properties and performance of both metallic and non-metallic lattice structures, focusing on compressive behaviour. In particular, optimisation techniques utilised to optimise their mechanical performance are examined, as well the primary factors influencing mechanical properties of lattices, and their failure mechanisms/modes. Important AM limitations regarding lattice structure fabrication are identified from this review, while the paucity of literature regarding material extruded metal-based lattice structures is discussed.


Author(s):  
Mahmoud A. Alzahrani ◽  
Seung-Kyum Choi

With rapid developments and advances in additive manufacturing technology, lattice structures have gained considerable attention. Lattice structures are capable of providing parts with a high strength to weight ratio. Most work done to reduce computational complexity is concerned with determining the optimal size of each strut within the lattice unit-cells but not with the size of the unit-cell itself. The objective of this paper is to develop a method to determine the optimal unit-cell size for homogenous periodic and conformal lattice structures based on the strain energy of a given structure. The method utilizes solid body finite element analysis (FEA) of a solid counter-part with a similar shape as the desired lattice structure. The displacement vector of the lattice structure is then matched to the solid body FEA displacement results to predict the structure’s strain energy. This process significantly reduces the computational costs of determining the optimal size of the unit cell since it eliminates FEA on the actual lattice structure. Furthermore, the method can provide the measurement of relative performances from different types of unit-cells. The developed examples clearly demonstrate how we can determine the optimal size of the unit-cell based on the strain energy. Moreover, the computational cost efficacy is also clearly demonstrated through comparison with the FEA and the proposed method.


Author(s):  
Marinela Peto ◽  
Oscar Aguilar-Rosas ◽  
Erick Erick Ramirez-Cedillo ◽  
Moises Jimenez ◽  
Adriana Hernandez ◽  
...  

Abstract Lattice structures offer great benefits when employed in medical implants for cell attachment and growth (osseointegration), minimization of stress shielding phenomena, and weight reduction. This study is focused on a proof of concept for developing a generic shoulder hemi-prosthesis, from a patient-specific case of a 46 years old male with a tumor on the upper part of his humerus. A personalized biomodel was designed and a lattice structure was integrated in its middle portion, to lighten weight without affecting humerus’ mechanical response. To select the most appropriate lattice structure, three different configurations were initially tested: Tetrahedral Vertex Centroid (TVC), Hexagonal Prism Vertex Centroid (HPVC), and Cubic Diamond (CD). They were fabricated in resin by digital light processing and its mechanical behavior was studied via compression testing and finite element modeling (FEM). The selected structure according to the results was the HPVC, which was integrated in a digital twin of the biomodel to validate its mechanical performance through FEM but substituting the bone material model with a biocompatible titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) suitable for prostheses fabrication. Results of the simulation showed acceptable levels of Von Mises stresses (325 MPa max.), below the elastic limit of the titanium alloys, and a better response (52 MPa max.) in a model with equivalent elastic properties, with stress performance in the same order of magnitude than the showed in bone’s material model.


2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Liu ◽  
Shurong Zhuo ◽  
Yining Xiao ◽  
Guolei Zheng ◽  
Guoying Dong ◽  
...  

Abstract Lightweight lattice structure generation and topology optimization (TO) are common design methodologies. In order to further improve potential structural stiffness of lattice structures, a method combining the multi-topology lattice structure design based on unit-cell library with topology optimization is proposed to optimize the parts. First, a parametric modeling method to rapidly generate a large number of different types of lattice cells is presented. Then, the unit-cell library and its property space are constructed by calculating the effective mechanical properties via a computational homogenization methodology. Third, the template of compromise Decision Support Problem (cDSP) is applied to generate the optimization formulation. The selective filling function of unit cells and geometric parameter computation algorithm are subsequently given to obtain the optimum lightweight lattice structure with uniformly varying densities across the design space. Lastly, for validation purposes, the effectiveness and robustness of the optimized results are analyzed through finite element analysis (FEA) simulation.


2007 ◽  
Vol 539-543 ◽  
pp. 242-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haydn N.G. Wadley ◽  
Douglas T. Queheillalt

Numerous methods have recently emerged for fabricating cellular lattice structures with unit cells that can be repeated to create 3D space filling systems with very high interconnected pore fractions. These lattice structures possess exceptional mechanical strength resulting in highly efficient load supporting systems when configured as the cores of sandwich panels. These same structures also provide interesting possibilities for cross flow heat exchange. In this scenario, heat is transported from a locally heated facesheet through the lattice structure by conduction and is dissipated by a cross flow that propagates through the low flow resistant pore passages. The combination of efficient thermal conduction along the lattice trusses and low flow resistance through the pore channels results in highly efficient cross flow heat exchange. Recent research is investigating the use of hollow truss structures that enable their simultaneous use as heat pipes which significantly increases the efficiency of heat transport through the lattice and their mechanical strength. The relationships between heat transfer, frictional flow losses and topology of the lattice structure are discussed and opportunities for future developments identified.


Proceedings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (8) ◽  
pp. 494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Recep Gümrük ◽  
Altuğ UŞUN ◽  
Robert Mines

The use of nickel electroless plating to enhance the mechanical properties of stainless steel micro lattice structures manufactured using selective laser melting is described. A coating thickness of 17 μm is achieved, and this increases micro lattice specific stiffness by 75% and specific strength by 50%. There is scope for improving the coating process, and hence improving micro lattice mechanical performance. The methodology described here provides a new potential for optimizing micro lattice mechanical performance and can be extended to other cellular materials with different coating technology.


Author(s):  
Bradley Hanks ◽  
Mary Frecker

Abstract Additive manufacturing is a developing technology that enhances design freedom at multiple length scales, from the macroscale, or bulk geometry, to the mesoscale, such as lattice structures, and even down to tailored microstructure. At the mesoscale, lattice structures are often used to replace solid sections of material and are typically patterned after generic topologies. The mechanical properties and performance of generic unit cell topologies are being explored by many researchers but there is a lack of development of custom lattice structures, optimized for their application, with considerations for design for additive manufacturing. This work proposes a ground structure topology optimization method for systematic unit cell optimization. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the approach. Case Study 1 results in a range of unit cell designs that transition from maximum thermal conductivity to minimization of compliance. Case Study 2 shows the opportunity for constitutive matching of the bulk lattice properties to a target constitutive matrix. Future work will include validation of unit cell modeling, testing of optimized solutions, and further development of the approach through expansion to 3D and refinement of objective, penalty, and constraint functions.


Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 2902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyang Liu ◽  
Keito Sekizawa ◽  
Asuka Suzuki ◽  
Naoki Takata ◽  
Makoto Kobashi ◽  
...  

In the present study, in order to elucidate geometrical features dominating deformation behaviors and their associated compressive properties of lattice structures, AlSi10Mg lattice structures with three different unit cells were fabricated by laser powder bed fusion. Compressive properties were examined by compression and indentation tests, micro X-ray computed tomography (CT), together with finite element analysis. The truncated octahedron- unit cell (TO) lattice structures exhibited highest stiffness and plateau stress among the studied lattice structures. The body centered cubic-unit cell (BCC) and TO lattice structures experienced the formation of shear bands with stress drops, while the hexagon-unit cell (Hexa) lattice structure behaved in a continuous deformation and flat plateau region. The Hexa lattice structure densified at a smaller strain than the BCC and TO lattice structures, due to high density of the struts in the compressive direction. Static and high-speed indentation tests revealed that the TO and Hexa exhibited slight strain rate dependence of the compressive strength, whereas the BCC lattice structure showed a large strain rate dependence. Among the lattice structures in the present study, the TO lattice exhibited the highest energy absorption capacity comparable to previously reported titanium alloy lattice structures.


Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1528
Author(s):  
Khaled G. Mostafa ◽  
Guilherme A. Momesso ◽  
Xiuhui Li ◽  
David S. Nobes ◽  
Ahmed J. Qureshi

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the production of complex structured parts with tailored properties. Instead of manufacturing parts as fully solid, they can be infilled with lattice structures to optimize mechanical, thermal, and other functional properties. A lattice structure is formed by the repetition of a particular unit cell based on a defined pattern. The unit cell’s geometry, relative density, and size dictate the lattice structure’s properties. Where certain domains of the part require denser infill compared to other domains, the functionally graded lattice structure allows for further part optimization. This manuscript consists of two main sections. In the first section, we discussed the dual graded lattice structure (DGLS) generation framework. This framework can grade both the size and the relative density or porosity of standard and custom unit cells simultaneously as a function of the structure spatial coordinates. Popular benchmark parts from different fields were used to test the framework’s efficiency against different unit cell types and grading equations. In the second part, we investigated the effect of lattice structure dual grading on mechanical properties. It was found that combining both relative density and size grading fine-tunes the compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, absorbed energy, and fracture behavior of the lattice structure.


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