Compressive behaviour and energy absorption capacity of a lattice structure generated by topology optimisation

Research on micro-lattice structures has been actively conducted along with the development of additive manufacturing; this is because properly designing the unit cell structure can help achieve various mechanical properties, such as ultra-lightweight, high strength, and high energy absorption capacity. Furthermore, the development of design strategies can yield advanced tailored properties. This study aimed to explore a new design strategy for micro-lattice structures with high energy absorption capacity. A unit cell shape was designed using topology optimisation, after which finite element analysis was conducted to investigate the compressive response and energy absorption capacity of the designed lattice structure. Different unit cell structures resulted in different deformation patterns of the struts, changing the stress-strain relationship in the entire structure. The structure of the topology-optimisation-designed unit cell exhibited the highest stiffness and the possibility of the highest energy absorption capacity, which can be improved by controlling the stress-strain relationship.