Investigation and Statistical Modeling of the Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Lattices.

Derek G Spear,Anthony N Palazotto

doi:10.3390/ma14143962

Derek G Spear, Anthony N Palazotto

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14143962

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Abstract

This paper describes the background, test methodology, and experimental results associated with the testing and analysis of quasi-static compression testing of additively manufactured open-cell lattice structures. The study aims to examine the effect of lattice topology, cell size, cell density, and surface thickness on the mechanical properties of lattice structures. Three lattice designs were chosen, the Diamond, I-WP, and Primitive Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMSs). Uniaxial compression tests were conducted for every combination of the three lattice designs, three cell sizes, three cell densities, and three surface thicknesses. In order to perform an efficient experiment and gain the most information possible, a four-factor statistical experimental design was planned and followed throughout testing. A full four-factor statistical model was produced, along with a reduced interactions model, separating the model by the significance of each factor and interaction terms. The impact of each factor was analyzed and interpreted from the resulting data, and then conclusions were made about the effects of the design parameters on the resultant mechanical performance.

Highlights

Open-cell periodic cellular structures, or lattices, continue to gain interest as an engineering material as a method for light-weighting structures or energy absorbing and control applications
Three lattice cell designs were evaluated as part of this study, all of which were based on Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS)
A separate comparison plot was developed for an individual lattice design with the actual, as fabricated, relative density plotted against the designed relative density from the computer aided design (CAD) model, Figure 4

Summary

Introduction

Open-cell periodic cellular structures, or lattices, continue to gain interest as an engineering material as a method for light-weighting structures or energy absorbing and control applications. These novel engineered cellular materials, where lattice structures are considered, are a fledgling category of materials [1]. Prior research on cellular structures found that three primary factors influence the mechanical response of these materials: the material properties of the base material from which the lattice is fabricated, the relative density of the structure, and the lattice design or topology [2]. When designing periodic cellular structures, a handful of variables can be directly controlled: the base material, topology, relative density, cell size, cell density, and cellular surface thickness. Presented here is a brief introduction to the factors under analysis, with lattice design covered in detail in the Methodology section

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Conclusion