Comparative performance evaluation of microarchitected lattices processed via SLS, MJ, and DLP 3D printing methods: experimental investigation and modelling

Schneider, J. and Kumar, S. (2023) Comparative performance evaluation of microarchitected lattices processed via SLS, MJ, and DLP 3D printing methods: experimental investigation and modelling. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 26, pp. 7182-7198. (doi: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2023.09.061)

Abstract

Additively manufactured mechanical metamaterials are gaining prominence in lightweight energy-absorption applications due to their exceptional mass-specific properties. Herein, we examine the energy absorption characteristics of micro-architected truss-, shell- and plate-lattice structures, namely, Octet, Kelvin, Gyroid, SC, BCC and FCC over a range of relative densities under quasi-static compression via both experiments and finite element analysis (FEA). Employing different 3D printing methods, namely, Digital Light Processing, Selective Laser Sintering and Material Jetting, the lattices were fabricated using PlasGray™ (photo-resin based plastic), PA12 (Nylon) and VeroWhite (photo-resin based rigid plastic) respectively. Our results indicate that the SC lattice structure outperforms in terms of stiffness and strength, while the Gyroid lattice outperforms in terms of energy absorption efficiency (η). At lower relative densities (<0.3), η reaches up to 61% for the Gyroid lattices made of PlasGray, while only at high relative densities the Octet truss lattices compete with the Gyroid lattices. For Gyroid lattices made of PA12 with a relative density of 0.23, an energy absorption efficiency of 68% was observed. Design maps are presented for all lattice structures processed and tested herein, to demonstrate their relative merits. Moreover, a two-step FEA was executed on a chosen array of lattices to thoroughly investigate the extensive design possibilities, utilising the elastic-plastic, Drucker-Prager, and concrete damage plasticity material models for PlasGray, PA12, and VeroWhite, respectively, with calibration based on experimental results. The results highlight that the tailored design of Gyroid lattices enabled by AM positions them as promising candidates for lightweight energy-absorbing applications.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported in part by the EPSRC Centre, funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (grant EP/R513222/1) and the University of Glasgow.
• Keywords: Additive manufacturing, lattice structures, architected materials, energy absorption, finite element modelling.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Schneider, Johannes and Kumar, Professor Shanmugam
• Authors: Schneider, J., and Kumar, S.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Journal of Materials Research and Technology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 2238-7854
• ISSN (Online): 2238-7854
• Published Online: 12 September 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright: © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Materials Research and Technology 26: 7182-7198
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
305200		DTP 2018-19 University of Glasgow	Mary Beth Kneafsey	Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)	EP/R513222/1	MVLS - Education Hub