Finite element modelling of defects in additively manufactured strut-based lattice structures

Strut-based lattice structures produced by powder bed fusion are prone to characteristic manufacturing defects that alter both their form and surface texture. Most studies in the literature focus on a subset of commonly observed defects, typically radius variation and strut waviness; surface defects remain relatively unexplored. Furthermore, there remains a need for the development of a general finite element modelling framework that can implement a range of defects into any strut-based lattice design. This paper presents a modelling framework for implementing a range of both form and surface defects into finite element meshes of strut-based lattices. A signed distance function forms the foundation for this framework, upon which surface meshes can be modified and converted into tetrahedral meshes via open-source software. The paper demonstrates how radius variation, strut waviness, elliptical cross sections and surface defects can be modelled in lattice struts, for which intuitive mathematical definitions are provided. A parametric study is performed to assess the sensitivity of the compressive Young's modulus of BCCZ and octet-truss lattices to upskin and downskin surface defects. The results showed higher sensitivity in the octet-truss than in the BCCZ; both designs were more sensitive to downskin defects than upskin defects