Impact of cell dimensions and beam radius on the bending characteristics of BCC sandwich panels produced via L-PBF of Ti6Al4V

Abstract

Ti-6Al-4V lattice structures created through Laser Powder Bed Fusion L-PBF find extensive use in sandwich panels for applications that demand both high strength and lightweight characteristics, particularly in aerospace and biomedical fields. L-PBF technology provides significant design flexibility, enabling the fabrication of complex geometry and modification of lattice mechanical properties to meet specific requirements. Understanding the correlation among unit cell type, relative density, unit cell arrangement, and mechanical properties is essential for the design of effective lattice structures. The aim of the study was to examine how the panel's behaviour varied with changes in the two body centered cubic (BCC) cell parameters cell size and beam radius. The samples produced were evaluated mechanically through the carrying out of three-point bending tests. Simulations of the additive process were conducted to emphasize the existence of residual stresses, connecting with the findings from previous tests.