Optimizing design of lattice materials based on finite element simulation

The optimized design of simple cross-truss and column lattice structures was carried out by the SolidWorks simulation module. The effective density of the structure was calculated according to the weight reduction requirements proposed by the project. Then, the variation curve between the maximum bearing stress of the unit structure and the structural variables was obtained by simulation. Meanwhile, the mathematical equation between the maximum bearing stress and the structural variables could be obtained through MATLAB fitting. The results indicated that with the decrease in the number of cells, the compressive strength of the prepared column lattice increased (400 to 4 cells, compressive strength 29 MPa to 160 MPa). However, the yield strength increased with the number of cells. The compression strength of the simple cross-truss lattice samples indicated an increase trend with the decrease of the pillar size (an increase of the number of units), reaching 91 MPa (pillar diameter 0.52 mm, number of units 25). While the yield strength increased with the increasing of the number of units. In addition, the additive manufacturing processes of simple cubic lattice and simple cross-pillar lattice were investigated using selective laser melting. The compression performance obtained from the experiment is compared with the simulation results, which are in good agreement. The results of this paper can provide an important reference for optimizing design of lattice materials.