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

Lattice structures have been proven to be one of the best choices since their inception, for various structural and other commercial applications, for enhanced mechanical properties, especially in the case of vibration isolation, where band gaps play a vital role. In the present study, additively manufactured 3D printed lattices are prepared with the help of fused deposition modelling (FDM) under various design variations such as Diamond, Kelvin, and Octa formations. Further, three variations in the form of cell density have been used in all the designs, such as low, medium, and high density. The effect of the design variations on Young's modulus, ultimate compressive strength, and plateau stress have been studied, and comparative analysis amongst the designs has been carried out. In the case of the diamond foam, the Young's modulus of 54.84, 79.43, and 63.13 MPa has been obtained for low, medium, and high density, respectively. However, in the case of Octa formation with a high-density apology, highest value of young modulus is obtained, which is 174.94 MPa. But the plateau stress is the best in the case of high-density diamond topology and least in the case of high-density Octa formation. In addition, the diamond foam with the medium density has shown the best compressive strength, i.e., 5.003 MPa. Moreover, vibration analysis properties were explored; interestingly, it has been seen that the transmissivity of the medium-form structures for all shapes is higher than the others whereas the natural frequency of the Diamond and Octa shapes is lower. Hence the shape and form of the lattice have a significant effect on the final properties of the lattices and lattice structures contribute to structural integrity in terms of better properties and enhanced behaviour.