Geometrical optimisation of structures at microscale

Abstract

This research document will analyse how geometry of lattice structures at microscale is being considered in a different light due to the latest advancements in technology. Nowadays, structures and structural elements may be made up of different materials than what are traditionally available, and there is the possibility of utilising lattice forms to make structural members more efficient and optimised. The study utilised 30 printed models which will be subjected to compression tests in the laboratory in order to compare test results to numerical analysis on a Finite Element (FE) Model. Moreover, the physical models will help to understand and visualise the geometry in question. This study has mainly focused on the comparison of geometry of various latticed forms and aim to derive an optimised configuration which makes commercial production more feasible. This will be achieved by understanding geometries in current literature and using numerical methods to replicate these results and the test results from the 30 printed models in order to obtain a calibrated model. The study will then move on to look at other geometries which might have other mechanical properties which are worth investigating. Finally, the research will aim to look at specific loading patterns and geometrical arrangements which might create a similar percentage of mechanical strength to the calibrated model while creating a more commercially feasible design which reduces manufacturing time and material utilised. This field of research has the possibility of optimising geometry for a specific material, but in order to focus on geometry alone, the material had been kept constant in order to derive relationships and comparisons between different geometries.