Mechanical Response of Functionally Graded Lattice Structures Fabricated by Additive Manufacturing

Additively manufactured lattice structures possess high strength to weight ratios and energy absorption capacities while offering a higher design freedom. This thesis focuses on evaluation of mechanical performance of functionally graded (FG) polymer and metal lattice structures aiming to enhance the energy absorption capacities. The structures were additively manufactured in the form of cubes and beams and tested under uni-axial compression and three-point bending, respectively. The experimental results were employed to develop and validate finite element (FE) models which were subsequently utilised for analysing the behaviour of FG lattices subjected to changes in gradient, loading direction, and loading velocities.