Analysis of Additively Manufactured lattice Structures Using Finite Element Methods

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes are well known for their ability to fabricate parts with complex geometries. Lattice structures leverage this ability to create parts with high strength-to-weight ratio and other desirable structural qualities. This research presents a parameterized modeling tool using common Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and scripting software with which aggregated lattice structures can be analyzed, given different geometric properties and loading conditions. A full factorial Design of Experiments is run to explore the effects of various parameters on the strength of lattice structures. Experimental compressive strength results from three FDM-produced PLA lattices are discussed and compared to predictions from the Finite Element simulations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 23, 2017
Accession Number
AD1055321

Entities

People

  • Christopher A Box

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Air Force
  • Assembly
  • Crystal Structure
  • Electron Beam Melting
  • Fabrication
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Fused Deposition Modeling
  • Manufacturing
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanical Working
  • Mechanics
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Selective Laser Melting
  • Three Dimensional
  • Yield Strength

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Structural Dynamics.