Finite element study of the properties and response of 3D printed lattice structures

• Main Author: Tay, Arissa Hui Yin
• Other Authors: Chai Gin Boay
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2019
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/136567
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study focuses on the use of Finite Element (FE) method: Beam Element Model Method to accurately model the behaviour of SLM (Selective Laser Melting) manufactured metal lattice when subjected to compressive loading. Utilising the Computer-Aided Engineering software ‘ABAQUS/Standard’, to model, and conduct Finite Element Analysis simulations to identify, predict and explain the effects of compression on SLM manufactured metal lattices, made up of the repetition of BCC unit cells. The variation of the unit cell’s aspect ratio, d/L, by increasing strut diameter, sees increased connectivity between layers within the structure, resulting in improved mechanical properties. The increase of lattice size to 8×8×8 and 16×16×16 unit cells, however, see regions of intense strain localisation, evident by deformation bands, resulting in a poorer structural response.