Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Lattice Structures Enabled by Tailoring Oblique Truss Orientation Angle

The significant effect of the strut angle on the mechanical properties of strut-based lattice structures is systematically explored through experimental and numerical investigations. The highest values of elastic modulus and yield strength, surpassing those observed in cubic lattices with the same relative density, have been experimentally observed at the strut angle of 71.76°. A correlation among elastic modulus, yield strength, and strut angles in lattices, validated by experimental tests, has been identified through developing a theoretical modelling and conducting a detailed finite element analysis. Transition from a bending dominated deformation mechanism to one dominated by compression within the lattice structures has been realized, contingent upon the tailoring of the strut angle. The deformation mechanism of these lattices is significantly influenced by the interplay between ductile bending and brittle failure of the struts. The superior energy absorption and yield strength demonstrated by the optimized lattice design have been underscored through a comparative analysis with other previously reported lattices. These lightweight structures hold promise for applications in the development of mechanical metamaterials with on-demand mechanical properties.