Parametric Design and Mechanical Characterization of 3D-Printed PLA Composite Biomimetic Voronoi Lattices Inspired by the Stereom of Sea Urchins

The present work is focused on the analysis of microstructure exoskeleton sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus and extraction design concepts by implementing geometrically described 3D Voronoi diagrams. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) dried shells revealed a foam-like microstructure, also known as stereom. Subsequently, parametric, digital models were created with aid computer-aided (CAD) software Rhinoceros (v. Rhino 7, 7.1.20343.09491) combined visual programming environment Grasshopper. Variables such node count, rod thickness mesh smoothness biologically-inspired lattice adapted for printing cubic specimens using fused filament fabrication (FFF) method. filaments used in process commercial polylactic acid (PLA), compound acid/polyhydroxyalkanoate (PLA/PHA) wood fiber composite. Nanoindentation tests coupled finite element (FEA) produced stress–strain response materials under study to simulate geometries compression loading regime order their deformation stress distribution relation experimental testing. PLA blend polyhydroxyalkanoate seems have minor effect mechanical behavior structures, whereas when fibers are added compound, major decrease strength occurs. computational model results significantly coincide results.