A Monte Carlo simulation-based approach to realistic modelling of additively manufactured lattice structures

Abstract

Lattice structures fabricated via Additive Manufacturing (AM) offer improved performance over traditional manufacturing methods, however, predicting their mechanical behaviour both accurately and with acceptable computational efficiency remains a challenge. AM associated defects combined with multiple high aspect-ratio strut elements require fine 3D finite-element (FE) meshes; resulting in high computational complexity that limits the number of lattice unit cells that can be practically simulated. Alternatively, Euler-Bernoulli or Timoshenko beam elements can be specified to reduce computational complexity. However, these beam elements are typically based on idealised representations that ex..