Simulation for Design and Evaluation of a Bending Beam-based Lattice for Manufacturing

Abstract

Lattice structures are two- or three-dimensional micro-architectures made composed of beams, struts, or nodes. They’re bio-inspired arrangements consisting of trusses with honeycomb and octagonal patterns. In nature, any lattice-like structure adds strength and flexibility to otherwise a lightweight material. In this paper, an analysis of four lattice specimens - triangle, hexagon, concentric cube, and regular cube - was carried out. A comprehensive examination of the main parameter’s sheds light on their mechanical behavior under applied loads. The mass and volume of the samples vary, reflecting differences in geometric configurations. The cube with the center has the least mass, followed by the regular cube, hexagon, and triangle. All samples share a constant density, indicating a uniform material composition across the network structures. Weight corresponds to mass, with a centered cube being the lightest and a regular cube being the heaviest. The stress values increase serially from triangle to regular cube, indicating a relationship between geometric complexity and internal stress. The concentric cube and the regular cube show higher displacements and strains, indicating greater structural flexibility or deformation under applied loads. Reaction forces vary, supporting the idea that different network configurations respond uniquely to external forces. Von Mises stress values are related to geometric complexity, highlighting the influence of composition on mechanical behavior. Pressure-to-weight analysis shows that the concentric cube and the regular cube show superior structural efficiency, outperforming the others in pressure-to-weight ratios. Displacement-to-weight analysis reveals that the centered cube and the regular cube show superior deformation properties, with higher displacements relative to their weights. Stress-to-weight analysis shows that the concentric cube and the regular cube exhibit superior material deformation properties, with higher strains compared to their weights. Observations indicate that the centred cube and regular cube exhibit superior structural efficiency and deformation properties, while the triangle and hexagonal specimens balance lower stress, displacement, and strain with lower weights. These results can guide lattice design optimization to improve performance in various applications. This research provides a quantitative basis for understanding the structural performance of mesh specimens, provides insights into their response to applied loads and informs future investigations and simulations of optimal mesh design.