Project
Topology Optimization of 3D Printed Lattice Structures for Structural Applications
The rising capability of additive manufacturing technologies to produce metal lattice structures provides an attractive target for mechanical design due to their lightweight, anisotropic and inherently manufacturable properties. As part of a drive towards optimized, lattice-embedded structures, this thesis presents a way to simulate mechanical lattice behaviour through a combination of classical beam elements and a joint element produced by a parameterized superelement appraoch. Furthermore, through a novel multi-objective optimization framework a Pareto-optimal unit cell is chosen and employed in a unique multi-scale topology optimization routine. Several optimized structures are printed and tested for their performance, showing improved stiffness, post-yielding and failure behaviour compared to non-optimized structures.