Experimental and numerical investigation of 3D printed bio-inspired lattice structures for mechanical behaviour under Quasi static loading conditions

Abstract

This research focuses on investigating the design and mechanical aspects of unique bio-inspired structures inspired by the biological elements basal body and nautilus shell. Centriole, nautilus, and cartwheel structures have been designed by CAD software and stereolithography (SLA) 3d printing was applied to manufacture these lattice structures. Finite element analysis was applied to optimize and compressive tests were carried out for the evaluation of the mechanical properties of bioinspired structures. Bio-inspired designs have a combination of qualities, which may create unique mechanical, electrical, thermal, and acoustic characteristics by controlling various factors, which have attracted a lot of study interest. The results of experiments show that the cartwheel structure is stiffer and stronger than other lattices with almost the same volume. According to the mass-to-strength ratio, both cartwheel structures are attractively lightweight and strong. Furthermore, this is the sole study that discusses centriole, nautilus, and cartwheel structure design, manufacturing, and deformation.