Prediction and experimental validation approach to improve performance of novel hybrid bio-inspired 3D printed lattice structures using artificial neural networks

Abstract

Novel Cellular lattice structures with lightweight designs are gaining more interest in the automobile and aerospace sectors. Additive manufacturing technologies have focused on designing and manufacturing cellular structures in recent years, increasing the versatility of these structures because of the significant benefits like high strength-to-weight ratio. In this research, a novel hybrid type of cellular lattice structure is designed, bio-inspired from the circular patterns seen in the bamboo tree structure and the overlapping patterns found on the dermal layers of fish-like species. The unit lattice cell with varied overlapping areas with a unit cell wall thickness of 0.4 to 0.6 mm. Fusion 360 software models the lattice structures with a constant volume of 40 × 40 × 40 mm. Utilizing the stereolithography (SLA) process and a vat polymerization type three-dimensional printing equipment is used to fabricate the 3D printed specimens. A quasi-static compression test was carried out on all 3D printed specimens, and the energy absorption capacity of each structure was calculated. Machine learning technique like the Artificial neural network (ANN) with Levenberg–Marquardt Algorithm (ANN-LM) was applied to the present research to predict the energy absorption of the lattice structure with parameters such as overlapping area, wall thickness, and size of the unit cell. The k-fold cross-validation technique was applied in the training phase to get the best training results. Overall, the results obtained using the ANN tool are validated and can be a favourable tool for lattice energy prediction with available data.

Lattice Design and Advanced Modeling to Guide the Design of High-Performance Lightweight Structural Materials

“…This means the materials used in fission battery components must feature a robust combination of mechanical properties, over a broad range of temperatures and operating environments, while still remaining light enough that the fission battery can be readily transported Lightweight materials can be achieved using low density elements in the alloying composition, composite, and/or adopting strategic structure designs to decrease mass. For the latter case, additive manufacturing (AM) of lattice-structured material has proven an attractive method to produce lightweight components [3][4][5][6], especially in the case of nuclear applications where the substitution of lower density alloys (e.g., aluminium alloys) is not possible because of operating conditions that often include high temperatures. However, a wide variety of factors significantly influence the mechanical behavior and structural performance of components made of additively manufactured metals.…”

Experimental and analytical investigation of bio-inspired lattice structures under compressive loading

“…The compression test results of hierarchical foam showed better energy absorption characteristics as compared to aluminum foam. R doodi et al 1 [19][20][21] used the technique to develop hybrid novel structures for SEA applications and the performance of the structures is improved by prediction studies. Hu et al [22] researched the Lotus root-filled tube (LFT) to make a bionic object that can enhance the EA characteristics of the crash box.…”

Effect of unit cell shape and structure volume fraction on the mechanical and vibration properties of 3D printed lattice structures

“…5,21 However, to commercialise lattice structures, it is necessary to define the designability of lattice geometries and characterise the associated mechanical responses, including the compressive strength. 33 The present work includes the design, printing, and mechanical testing, including vibration isolation, of the three different formations, Diamond, Kelvin, and Octa. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)S was used to print the specimens with PLA filament.…”

“…5,21 However, to commercialise lattice structures, it is necessary to define the designability of lattice geometries and characterise the associated mechanical responses, including the compressive strength. 33…”