Experimental and numerical analysis of the mechanical properties of a sandwich structure with lattice geometry

Abstract

In this study, the mechanical behavior of a sandwich lattice structure manufactured using additive manufacturing from polylactic acid material under compressive loading was investigated. For this purpose, the displacement characteristics, load-bearing capacity, and energy absorption properties of the structure were evaluated both experimentally through quasi-static compression tests and theoretically using finite element analyses. Subsequently, the experimental and theoretical results were compared, and the effectiveness of finite element analyses in determining the mechanical properties of the structure was assessed. This study serves as a guide for researchers who aim to design lattice structure geometries and manufacture them using additive manufacturing technology. Due to the high cost and timeconsuming nature of experimental studies, the appropriate use of numerical analyses enables the systematic and efficient execution of design processes in a virtual environment before extensive experimental investigations. In this way, the preliminary evaluation of structural performance is ensured, contributing to time and cost optimization in the manufacturing process.