Design and Comparative Numerical Analysis of AlSi10Mg PBF-LB/M Manufactured TPMS Lattice Structures for Improved...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Additive manufacturing allows complex geometries, ideal for aerospace and biomedical fields.
• Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattices offer unique geometric advantages but face characterization and simulation challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To numerically investigate the mechanical properties and dynamic response of AlSi10Mg TPMS lattices produced via laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M).
• To compare the performance of various sheet-based TPMS lattices against strut-based designs under high strain rates.

Main Methods:

• A micro-mesoscale approach with periodic boundary conditions was used.
• Finite element simulations of representative volume elements (RVEs) analyzed elastic properties (Young's modulus, shear modulus, Poisson's ratio) using the Johnson-Cook plasticity model.
• Ductile damage models assessed energy absorption and damage evolution under high strain rates.

Main Results:

• TPMS lattices exhibited superior stiffness and energy absorption compared to strut-based lattices (BCC, FCC).
• Sheet-based TPMS structures, specifically Schwarz-Diamond and IWP, demonstrated higher performance than other TPMS and strut-based designs.
• Performance was evaluated across volume fractions of 20-40%.

Conclusions:

• TPMS lattices, particularly Schwarz-Diamond and IWP, offer significant advantages over conventional strut-based designs in terms of stiffness and energy absorption.
• The numerical framework provides valuable insights into the high strain-rate behavior of TPMS structures.
• Findings support the use of TPMS lattices in demanding engineering applications requiring lightweight, high-performance materials.