Multi-scale analysis of the flexural behaviour of 3D printed cellular polymer materials: Comparison between morphing and sandwich beams

Cellular materials with tailorable properties are increasingly being used as a controllable morphing mechanism in airfoils. Nonetheless, the flexural of this change depending on configuration. Thus, aim paper is to identify and analyse parameters tailoring these properties. A multi-scale analysis that models reliably behaviour 3D printed structures developed. Three scales considered. The microscopic scale, where 3D-printed material measured. mesoscopic mechanical four different patterns, selected for their current use applications, estimated via numerical homogenisation. macroscopic global bending cellular beams studied. Then, cantilever studied while varying skin rigidity. Results indicate rigidity critical parameter core’s behaviour. Rigid skins force airfoil behave like sandwich structure, compliant induce more complex