Investigating the Microstructural Behavior and Energy Absorption of Pure Copper Lattice Structures Fabricated by Selective Electron Beam Melting
Source abstract
Abstract
Pure copper’s exceptional thermal and electrical properties, along with its processability, make it indispensable in aerospace, automotive, and electrical industries, particularly in heat exchangers and radiators. Lattice structures, with high specific surface areas, low weight, and high strength, are ideal for lightweight yet strong components. While traditional methods struggle with complex lattice geometries, selective electron beam melting (SEBM) enables the fabrication of intricate pure copper lattices with high energy efficiency in a vacuum environment. This study used SEBM to fabricate OCTET pure copper lattices with relative densities of 21.16%–73.77%. The macrostructure matched the design, achieving a maximum energy absorption capacity of 15.00 MJ/m3. At 40.04% relative density, compressive response shifted from shock to compression hardening, with densification strains ranging from 23.96% to 51.68%. Microdefects such as corrugation, size differences, and internal holes influenced mechanical properties and energy absorption. Post-polishing reduced surface roughness from 14.12 μm to 2.70 μm without affecting specific energy absorption. Increasing strut diameter reduced the microdefects’ impact on lattice strength, enhancing performance and reliability.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies · Nanoporous metals and alloys · Additive Manufacturing Materials and Processes
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Advanced Materials Additive Manufacturing Innovation Research Center, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China
Zhejiang-Thailand International Joint Laboratory on New Materials Digital Design and Processing Technology, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China
College of Engineering, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China
College of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China
College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
Funding
National Key R&D Program of China · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Key Scientific Research Project of Hangzhou City
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