Design of multi-topology lattice structures based on a high-quality unit cell library

Abstract

Truss lattice structures have gained significant interest due to their exceptional performance across various applications. However, the design of complex lattices often relies on simple unit cells with limited capabilities, making it challenging to fulfill stringent design requirements. This paper proposes a novel strategy for generating high-performance multi-topology truss lattice structures using a diverse unit cell library. The proposed method leverages a hierarchical approach for candidate unit cell generation. A simple first-level unit cell forms the base, followed by the introduction of complexity and improved properties through a second-level cell creation process. Efficient screening and rapid homogenization calculations were used to estimate the physical characteristics of the generated candidates. Subsequently, suitable unit cells are identified for inclusion in the library, ensuring high quality and minimizing redundancy. Based on the density distribution obtained from topology optimization, the selection function chooses the optimal unit cell from the library for each element within the lattice structure. Finally, strut size optimization further enhances the design. The resulting optimized lattice structures demonstrated superior performance compared to those constructed from standard unit cells and results from the existing literature. This approach offers a powerful new pathway for designing complex high-performance lattice structures.