Mechanical Properties of Semi-Regular Lattices

Abstract

The mechanical properties of seven semi-regular lattices were derived analytically for in-plane uniaxial compression and shear. These analytical expressions were then validated using Finite Element simulations. Our analysis showed that one topology is stretching-dominated; two are stretching-dominated in compression but bending-dominated in shear; and four are bending-dominated. To assess their potential, the properties of these seven semi-regular topologies were compared to regular lattices. We found the elastic buckling strength of the stretching-dominated semi-regular tessellation to be 43% higher than a regular triangular lattice. In addition, three of the four bending-dominated semi-regular topologies had a higher elastic modulus than a regular hexagonal lattice. In fact, one of these bending-dominated topologies was 85% stiffer and 11% stronger than a hexagonal lattice. This topology would be ideal for applications requiring a high stiffness and high energy absorption.