Compressive performance of 3D printed fault-tolerant polymer lattice structures

The sudden macroscopic damage to the structure is one of the main factors affecting its safe service. This paper investigates the compressive performance of a fault-tolerant polymer lattice structure prepared by stereolithography apparatus. The lattice structure comprises hexagonal and rhombohedral lattices with varying thicknesses. The quasi-static compression experiment results show that bi-lattice has better fault tolerance than single rhombohedral lattice or pure triangular lattice. Compared with the low stiffness of the rhombohedral lattice and the abrupt fracture of the triangular lattice, the bi-lattice possesses excellent stiffness and substantial deformation capability. When a thinner beam breaks, the thicker beam impedes the transmission of damage, resulting in even dispersion of damage throughout the structure. Consequently, the overall structure remains intact, and its carrying capacity is maintained. This advantage of damage tolerance before macro fracture is significant for the design and safe operation of structures.