Study on the Shear Modulus Based Equivalent Homogenization Methods of Multi-Layer BCC Lattice Sandwich

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Structural Analysis

Background:

• Lattice sandwich structures offer unique mechanical properties.
• Accurate prediction of shear modulus is crucial for their design and application.
• Homogenization methods are essential for simplifying complex lattice geometries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate shear modulus based equivalent homogenization methods for multi-layer BCC lattice sandwich structures.
• To compare analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches for determining shear modulus.
• To investigate the influence of strut deformation patterns on shear modulus calculations.

Main Methods:

• Analytical derivations using Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories.
• Finite element analysis (FEA) using ANSYS software.
• Experimental fabrication via Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of 304 stainless steel.
• Shear testing using modified Arcan Rig experimental devices.

Main Results:

• Analytical shear modulus was derived for three types of rectangular sandwich BCC lattice structures.
• FEA models provided estimations that aligned with analytical solutions.
• Experimental results from SLM-printed structures validated both analytical and numerical predictions.
• Good agreement was observed across all three methodologies.

Conclusions:

• The developed homogenization methods accurately predict the shear modulus of multi-layer BCC lattice sandwich structures.
• The study confirms the reliability of combining analytical, numerical, and experimental techniques for material characterization.
• Findings support the use of these methods for designing and optimizing lattice sandwich structures in engineering applications.