A time-variant reliability analysis framework for selective laser melting fabricated lattice structures with probability and convex hybrid models

Abstract

ABSTRACT We propose a time-variant reliability analysis framework to quantitatively predict the lifetime of the lattice structures fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM), including confirming hybrid uncertainties, establishing a hybrid model, and proposing an efficient time-variant reliability method. We first design and manufacture a representative and complex L-shaped body-centred cubic (BCC) lattice structure utilising the SLM method, followed by morphology and microstructure observations to indicate the necessity of accounting for material uncertainty. Further considering loading fluctuation, we develop an effective time-variant reliability analysis method utilising the mixed probability and convex set model. One benchmark numerical example has been employed to shed a light on the high computational efficiency and acceptable computational accuracy of the developed time-variant reliability method. Finally, the proposed framework is performed to a real L-shaped BCC lattice structure to predict its lifetime, finding that the failure probability after ten years can reach more than 40 times the initial design.