Investigation of the Capability of Flux of Force Oriented Lattice Structures for Lightweight Design

Abstract

Production technologies often turn out to be a limiting factor for the geometrical freedom in part design. By the use of Additive Layer Manufacturing processes, the existing restrictions can be negotiated due to their generative character. To exploit their whole capabilities, new approaches in part design have to be applied. One of these numerous possibilities is mesoscopic lightweight design, like for example by the use of lattice structures instead of massive material accumulations. Currently, these structures have a periodic build-up, which leads to unfavourable stress states like bending loads in the single strut elements. By an adaption of the course of the structure to the flux of force inside a part, predominantly push and pull forces appear inside the struts, which is very positive for the structures lightweight performance. To prove the capability of this optimization approach, Finite-Element-Analyses have been executed for periodic and for flux of force adapted lattice structures. Thus, the great potential of this optimization method has been shown.

Design for Additive Manufacturing: Trends, opportunities, considerations, and constraints

“…Furthermore, enclosed lattices can be used as internal support for flexible structures such as inflatable (deployable) wings for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) [197] [198]. In structural engineering, the orientation and diameter of the individual struts within a truss or lattice can be optimized to improve stress distribution, strength, and manufacturability [268][323] [324] (Fig. 27).…”

Solid Stress-Distribution-Oriented Design and Topology Optimization of 3D-Printed Heterogeneous Lattice Structures with Light Weight and High Specific Rigidity

“…Some researchers have performed several size-adaptive matching and scale-adjustable design methods according to the design variables of lattice-unit cross-sectional geometry and dimensions [ 14 , 15 ]. Stefan et al studied the optimization of lattice structural struts arranged according to the applied loading direction, aiming to give full play to the stress-bearing capacity of each strut in the entire structure [ 16 , 17 ]. Jin et al proposed a global–local design approach for the gradient lattice structures [ 12 ].…”

Force-flow guided reinforcement design of homogeneous mesoscale structure in additive manufacturing

“…Conventional cellular core manufacturing techniques such as expansion, corrugation and molding place significant restrictions on the available core geometries that can be realized, and in turn, this restricts the available design space (Daynes et al , 2017; Teufelhart, 2014). Just like the traditional laminate theory, AM can produce a variety of design forms in a layer-by-layer manner.…”