Influence of the Experimental Setup on the Damping Properties of SLM Lattice Structures

Abstract Background Metal lattice structures obtained through Selective Laser Melting may increase the strength-to-weight ratio of advanced 3D printed parts, as well their damping properties. Recent experimental results showed that AlSi10Mg and AISI 316L lattices are characterized by higher Rayleigh coefficients with respect to fully dense material. However, some unclear or contradictory were found, depending on setup adopted for modal analysis. Objective In this work influence when performing analysis different SLM was deeply investigated. The study provides a critical comparison various approaches, allowing evaluate external sources material internal phenomena. Methods dynamic behaviour specimens incorporating estimated means pulse testing sinusoidal excitation an electromagnetic shaker. validity viscous model assessed levels vibration velocity. Moreover, critically evaluated, considering actuators, contact non-contact sensors boundary/clamping conditions. Results classical describes good approximation properties structures. When exciting single in free-free conditions, those embedding structure unmelted metal powder filler superior without any filler, which however more effective than full density equivalent Most other setups introduced additional sources, could alter important outcome. Conclusions embedded into components provide against mechanical acoustic vibrations does significantly enhance such capacity. A correct estimation achieved applying boundary whereas partly inadequate.