Tailored elastic properties of beam-based lattice unit structures

Abstract In this paper a structural optimization framework is developed to design three-dimensional periodic lattice unit cells that meets specific mechanical requirements. The work motivated by the high freedom of additive manufacturing technologies, which enable complex multiscale structures be printed. An optimized cell delivers desired orthotropic elastic material properties, providing tailored metamaterial. variables are coordinates skeleton nodes defined within space, and connectivities between them resulting strut-skeleton. Genetic algorithm (GA) combined with posterior particle swarm (PSO) establish an integrated topology shape tool. For calculation properties individual cells, effective Timoshenko beam-based finite element method was developed. novelty stems from its free nature, excluding strut diameters variables. demonstrated four cases, where extreme were targeted achieved. represent metamaterial, can used build component on macroscopic scale, stacking periodically together, fill 3D space. This strong basis extended meet further nonlinear metamaterial requirements, such as energy absorption.