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1 – 10 of 143
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Sergio de la Rosa, Pedro F. Mayuet, Cátia S. Silva, Álvaro M. Sampaio and Lucía Rodríguez-Parada

This papers aims to study lattice structures in terms of geometric variables, manufacturing variables and material-based variants and their correlation with compressive behaviour…

Abstract

Purpose

This papers aims to study lattice structures in terms of geometric variables, manufacturing variables and material-based variants and their correlation with compressive behaviour for their application in a methodology for the design and development of personalized elastic therapeutic products.

Design/methodology/approach

Lattice samples were designed and manufactured using extrusion-based additive manufacturing technologies. Mechanical tests were carried out on lattice samples for elasticity characterization purposes. The relationships between sample stiffness and key geometric and manufacturing variables were subsequently used in the case study on the design of a pressure cushion model for validation purposes. Differentiated areas were established according to patient’s pressure map to subsequently make a correlation between the patient’s pressure needs and lattice samples stiffness.

Findings

A substantial and wide variation in lattice compressive behaviour was found depending on the key study variables. The proposed methodology made it possible to efficiently identify and adjust the pressure of the different areas of the product to adapt them to the elastic needs of the patient. In this sense, the characterization lattice samples turned out to provide an effective and flexible response to the pressure requirements.

Originality/value

This study provides a generalized foundation of lattice structural design and adjustable stiffness in application of pressure cushions, which can be equally applied to other designs with similar purposes. The relevance and contribution of this work lie in the proposed methodology for the design of personalized therapeutic products based on the use of individual lattice structures that function as independent customizable cells.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 July 2022

Serena Graziosi, Federico Maria Ballo, Flavia Libonati and Sofia Senna

This study aims to investigate the behaviour of soft lattices, i.e. lattices capable of reaching large deformations, and the influence of the printing process on it. The authors…

1659

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the behaviour of soft lattices, i.e. lattices capable of reaching large deformations, and the influence of the printing process on it. The authors focused on two cell topologies, the body-centred cubic (BCC) and the Kelvin, characterized by a bending-dominated behaviour relevant to the design of energy-absorbing applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analysed the experimental and numerical behaviour of multiple BCC and Kelvin structures. The authors designed homogenous and graded arrays of different dimensions. The authors compared their technical feasibility with two three-dimensional-printed technologies, such as the fused filament fabrication and the selective laser sintering, choosing thermoplastic polyurethane as the base material.

Findings

The results demonstrate that multiple design aspects determine how the printing process influences the behaviour of soft lattices. Besides, a graded distribution of the material could contribute to fine-tuning this behaviour and mitigating the influence of the printing process.

Practical implications

Despite being less explored than their rigid counterpart, soft lattices are now becoming of great interest, especially when lightweight, wearable and customizable solutions are needed. This study contributes to filling this gap.

Originality/value

Only a few studies analyse design and printing issues of soft lattices due to the intrinsic complexity of printing flexible materials.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 28 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 October 2019

Lin Qi, Wenbo Zhang, Ronglai Sun and Fang Liu

Giant orthogonal grid barrel vault is generated by deleting members in the inessential force transfer path of the two-layer lattice barrel vault. Consisting of members in the…

1605

Abstract

Purpose

Giant orthogonal grid barrel vault is generated by deleting members in the inessential force transfer path of the two-layer lattice barrel vault. Consisting of members in the essential transfer path only, giant orthogonal grid barrel vault is a new type of structure with clear mechanical behavior and efficient material utilization. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The geometrical configuration of this structure is analyzed, and the geometrical modeling method is proposed. When necessary parameters are determined, such as the structural span, length, vault rise, longitudinal and lateral giant grid number and section height to top chord length ratio of the lattice member, the structure geometrical model can be generated.

Findings

Numerical models of giant orthogonal grid barrel vaults with different rise–span ratios are built using the member model that can simulate the pre-buckling and post-buckling behavior. So the possible member buckle-straighten process and the plastic hinge form–disappear process of the structure under strong earthquake can be simulated.

Originality/value

Seismic analysis results indicate that when the structure damages under strong earthquake there are a large number of buckling members and few endpoint plastic hinges in the structure. Dynamic damage of giant orthogonal grid barrel vault under strong earthquake is caused by buckling members that weaken the structural bearing capacity.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 May 2021

Chloé Joffre

The aim of this research paper is to design a motor holder in order to minimize the weight of the motor and to reduce its vibrations causing noise pollution.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this research paper is to design a motor holder in order to minimize the weight of the motor and to reduce its vibrations causing noise pollution.

Design/methodology/approach

To meet the requirements of the purpose the use of cellular lattice structures is ideal. Lattice structures ensure both low mass and high strength. Moreover, their absorption properties are relatively interesting concerning the attenuation of vibrations.

Findings

The result of this paper shows that lattice structure can answer to the need of different fields such as aeronautics in the design of lightweight structures which are strong with a low mass. Indeed, the weight of the final structure of the holder is 0.92 g and its safety factor is 5.1 which met the requirements.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the research paper were the RAM capacity of the computer.

Social implications

To minimize the weight of the holder in a patroller or a plane is to reduce the consumption of fuel. Moreover one of the reasons of optimizing the vibrations is to reduce noise pollution.

Originality/value

This paper is directed to students, designers who want to know more about the use of lattice structure and more precisely honeycomb sandwich structure.

Details

Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing and Special Equipment, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2633-6596

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 December 2021

Théo Laporte

Thus, in this work the goal is to design, simulate and optimise a holder of a brushless motor in lattice structure to get the best performance in terms of mechanical strength…

Abstract

Purpose

Thus, in this work the goal is to design, simulate and optimise a holder of a brushless motor in lattice structure to get the best performance in terms of mechanical strength, vibration absorption and lightness.

Design/methodology/approach

Nowadays, most manufacturers and designers' goal are to sell efficient products in mass to keep up or outrun competition. Medical, aeronautical, automobile and civil engineering sectors produce complex parts and products that encompasses multiple properties such as lightweight, energy absorbance, vibration reduction and stress resistant. Studies found that lattice structures are more and more useful in these fields since their characteristics satisfy complex behaviour.

Findings

The study's outcome suggests that the use of lattice structure reduces 60% of the actual motor holder mass while keeping the strength of the material, meeting initial specifications.

Research limitations/implications

The Ram capacity of the PC.

Practical implications

Light materials for aerospace engineering elongate the range of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to an extra range of flight.

Social implications

Situation awareness of the country border using surveillance drone and minimising the consumption of fuel.

Originality/value

The research allowed reducing 60% the actual holder mass.

Details

Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing and Special Equipment, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2633-6596

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 September 2023

Markus Brummer, Karl Jakob Raddatz, Matthias Moritz Schmitt, Georg Schlick, Thomas Tobie, Rüdiger Daub and Karsten Stahl

Numerous metals can be processed using the additive manufacturing process laser-based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M, ISO/ASTM 52900). The main advantages of additive…

Abstract

Purpose

Numerous metals can be processed using the additive manufacturing process laser-based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M, ISO/ASTM 52900). The main advantages of additive manufacturing technologies are the high degree of design freedom and the cost-effective implementation of lightweight structures. This could be profitable for gears with increased power density, combining reduced mass with considerable material strength. Current research on additively manufactured gears is focused on developing lightweight structures but is seldom accompanied by simulations and even less by mechanical testing. There has been very little research into the mechanical and material properties of additively manufactured gears. The purpose of this study is to investigate the behavior of lightweight structures in additively manufactured gears under static loads.

Design/methodology/approach

This research identifies the static load-carrying capacity of helical gears with different lightweight structures produced by PBF-LB/M with the case hardening steel 16MnCr5. A static gear loading test rig with a maximum torque at the pinion of T1 = 1200 Nm is used. Further focus is set on analyzing material properties such as the relative density, microstructure, hardness depth profile and chemical composition.

Findings

All additively manufactured gear variants show no failure or plastic deformation at the maximum test load. The shaft hub connection, the lightweight hub designs and the gearing itself are stable and intact regarding their form and function. The identified material characteristics are comparable to conventionally manufactured gears (wrought and machined), but also some particularities were observed.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates the mechanical strength of lightweight structures in gears. Future research needs to consider the dynamic load-carrying capacity of additively manufactured gears.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 29 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 2 August 2021

Modupeola Dada, Patricia Popoola and Ntombi Mathe

This study aims to review the recent advancements in high entropy alloys (HEAs) called high entropy materials, including high entropy superalloys which are current potential…

1692

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to review the recent advancements in high entropy alloys (HEAs) called high entropy materials, including high entropy superalloys which are current potential alternatives to nickel superalloys for gas turbine applications. Understandings of the laser surface modification techniques of the HEA are discussed whilst future recommendations and remedies to manufacturing challenges via laser are outlined.

Design/methodology/approach

Materials used for high-pressure gas turbine engine applications must be able to withstand severe environmentally induced degradation, mechanical, thermal loads and general extreme conditions caused by hot corrosive gases, high-temperature oxidation and stress. Over the years, Nickel-based superalloys with elevated temperature rupture and creep resistance, excellent lifetime expectancy and solution strengthening L12 and γ´ precipitate used for turbine engine applications. However, the superalloy’s density, low creep strength, poor thermal conductivity, difficulty in machining and low fatigue resistance demands the innovation of new advanced materials.

Findings

HEAs is one of the most frequently investigated advanced materials, attributed to their configurational complexity and properties reported to exceed conventional materials. Thus, owing to their characteristic feature of the high entropy effect, several other materials have emerged to become potential solutions for several functional and structural applications in the aerospace industry. In a previous study, research contributions show that defects are associated with conventional manufacturing processes of HEAs; therefore, this study investigates new advances in the laser-based manufacturing and surface modification techniques of HEA.

Research limitations/implications

The AlxCoCrCuFeNi HEA system, particularly the Al0.5CoCrCuFeNi HEA has been extensively studied, attributed to its mechanical and physical properties exceeding that of pure metals for aerospace turbine engine applications and the advances in the fabrication and surface modification processes of the alloy was outlined to show the latest developments focusing only on laser-based manufacturing processing due to its many advantages.

Originality/value

It is evident that high entropy materials are a potential innovative alternative to conventional superalloys for turbine engine applications via laser additive manufacturing.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 July 2021

David Marschall, Sigfrid-Laurin Sindinger, Herbert Rippl, Maria Bartosova and Martin Schagerl

Laser sintering of polyamide lattice-based lightweight fairing components for subsequent racetrack testing requires a high quality and a reliable design. Hence, the purpose of…

Abstract

Purpose

Laser sintering of polyamide lattice-based lightweight fairing components for subsequent racetrack testing requires a high quality and a reliable design. Hence, the purpose of this study was to develop a design methodology for such additively manufactured prototypes, considering efficient generation and structural simulation of boundary conformal non-periodic lattices, optimization of production parameters as well as experimental validation.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi-curved, sandwich structure-based demonstrators were designed, simulated and experimentally tested with boundary conformal lattice cells. The demonstrator’s non-periodic lattice cells were simplified by forward homogenization processes. To represent the stiffness of the top and bottom face sheet, constant isotropic and mapped transversely isotropic simulation approaches were compared. The dimensional accuracy of lattice cells and demonstrators were measured with a gauge caliper and a three-dimensional scanning system. The optimized process parameters for lattice structures were transferred onto a large volume laser sintering system. The stiffness of each finite element analysis was verified by an experimental test setup including a digital image correlation system.

Findings

The stiffness prediction of the mapped was superior to the constant approach and underestimated the test results with −6.5%. Using a full scale fairing the applicability of the development process was successfully demonstrated.

Originality/value

The design approach elaborated in this research covers aspects from efficient geometry generation over structural simulation to experimental testing of produced parts. This methodology is not only relevant in the context of motor sports but is transferrable for all additively manufactured large scale components featuring a complex lattice sub-structure and is, therefore, relevant across industries.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 27 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 October 2022

Babak Lotfi and Bengt Ake Sunden

This study aims to computational numerical simulations to clarify and explore the influences of periodic cellular lattice (PCL) morphological parameters – such as lattice structure

1337

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to computational numerical simulations to clarify and explore the influences of periodic cellular lattice (PCL) morphological parameters – such as lattice structure topology (simple cubic, body-centered cubic, z-reinforced body-centered cubic [BCCZ], face-centered cubic and z-reinforced face-centered cubic [FCCZ] lattice structures) and porosity value ( ) – on the thermal-hydraulic characteristics of the novel trussed fin-and-elliptical tube heat exchanger (FETHX), which has led to a deeper understanding of the superior heat transfer enhancement ability of the PCL structure.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is proposed in this paper to provide better understanding of the fluid flow and heat transfer behavior of the PCL structures in the trussed FETHXs associated with different structure topologies and high-porosities. The flow governing equations of the trussed FETHX are solved by the CFD software ANSYS CFX® and use the Menter SST turbulence model to accurately predict flow characteristics in the fluid flow region.

Findings

The thermal-hydraulic performance benchmarks analysis – such as field synergy performance and performance evaluation criteria – conducted during this research successfully identified demonstrates that if the high porosity of all PCL structures decrease to 92%, the best thermal-hydraulic performance is provided. Overall, according to the obtained outcomes, the trussed FETHX with the advantages of using BCCZ lattice structure at 92% porosity presents good thermal-hydraulic performance enhancement among all the investigated PCL structures.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first in the literature that provides thorough thermal-hydraulic characteristics of a novel trussed FETHX with high-porosity PCL structures.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 August 2024

Miguel Araya-Calvo, Antti Järvenpää, Timo Rautio, Johan Enrique Morales-Sanchez and Teodolito Guillen-Girón

This study compares the fatigue performance and biocompatibility of as-built and chemically etched Ti-6Al-4V alloys in TPMS-gyroid and stochastic structures fabricated via Powder…

Abstract

Purpose

This study compares the fatigue performance and biocompatibility of as-built and chemically etched Ti-6Al-4V alloys in TPMS-gyroid and stochastic structures fabricated via Powder Bed Fusion Laser Beam (PBF-LB). This study aims to understand how complex lattice structures and post-manufacturing treatment, particularly chemical etching, affect the mechanical properties, surface morphology, fatigue resistance and biocompatibility of these metamaterials for biomedical applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology was used to fabricate TPMS-gyroid and Voronoi stochastic designs with three different relative densities (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4) in Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy. The as-built samples underwent a chemical etching process to enhance surface quality. Mechanical characterization included static compression and dynamic fatigue testing, complemented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface and failure analysis. The biocompatibility of the samples was assessed through in-vitro cell viability assays using the Alamar Blue assay and cell proliferation studies.

Findings

Chemical etching significantly improves the surface morphology, mechanical properties and fatigue resistance of both TPMS-gyroid and stochastic structures. Gyroid structures demonstrated superior mechanical performance and fatigue resistance compared to stochastic structures, with etching providing more pronounced benefits in these aspects. In-vitro biocompatibility tests showed high cytocompatibility for both as-built and etched samples, with etched samples exhibiting notably improved cell viability. The study also highlights the importance of design and post-processing in optimizing the performance of Ti64 components for biomedical applications.

Originality/value

The comparative analysis between as-built and etched conditions, alongside considering different lattice designs, provides valuable information for developing advanced biomedical implants. The demonstration of enhanced fatigue resistance and biocompatibility through etching adds significant value to the field of additive manufacturing, suggesting new avenues for designing and post-processing implantable devices.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

1 – 10 of 143