Effect of strut cross section and strut defect on tensile properties of cubic cellular structure. Issue 5 (29th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raghavendra, Sunil; Molinari, Alberto; Fontanari, Vigilio; Dallago, Michele; Luchin, Valerio; Zappini, Gianluca; Benedetti, Matteo
• Is Part Of: Material design & processing communications. Volume 2:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-12-29
• Subjects: finite elements -- geometric defects -- selective laser melting -- tensile test; Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Materials -- Design -- Periodicals; Materials -- Research; Materials -- Design; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/mdp2.118
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2577-5476

Abstract

Abstract: Selective laser melting (SLM) process is used to produce complex geometries for various applications such as biomedical and aerospace industries. However, one of the limitations with respect to this process is the introduction of geometrical defects during the manufacturing process. The presence of these defects makes it difficult to predict their mechanical behaviour. The present work focuses on the cubic lattice structures and their geometrical deviations from the as‐designed structures caused by defects like strut oversizing, varying thickness, and strut waviness. The defects were introduced in finite element modelling by using different cross‐sections along a strut and joining them to form smooth solid struts. The modelling of defects was validated by comparing with experimental data. The results indicate an appreciable difference between as‐designed and as‐built structures. It was observed that varying the strut thickness had a major effect on the strength of the structures. Additionally, an elliptical cross‐section better matched the tensile behaviour of the as‐built structures rather than a rectangular cross‐section.