Comprehensive studies on strength of 3D-printed aluminum micro lattice structures

Lattice structure is a type of cellular structure and is used in various engineering applications due to its high strength to weight ratio and excellent energy absorption capacity. A traditional way to examine the response of lattice structures subjected to external loading is to perform experimental research and/or to employ numerical investigation. In this study, however, an analytical model is developed utilizing limit analysis to predict the strength of micro lattice structures. Analytical results are compared to the experimental results of additively manufactured (3D-printed) AlSi10Mg aluminum lattice structures by selective laser melting (SLM). Moreover, 2D and 3D finite element simulations are conducted in order to validate the experimental results as well as to investigate the accuracy of the analytical model. Analytical results are found to be in a reasonable agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, it is found that 2D numerical simulations are not very consistent with the experimental results; therefore, this study suggests use of 3D finite element modeling in order to fully capture the effect of shear in short beams/struts.