Mechanical response of Ti-6Al-4V octet-truss lattice structures

A simple snap-fit and vacuum brazing method has been developed to fabricate three dimensional space filling octet-truss lattice structures from Ti-6Al-4V alloy sheets. Using strut lengths of 7-25 mm resulted in a relative density of the lattices ranging from 2% to 16%. The lattice elastic stiffness constants and strengths have been characterized under through-thickness compression and in-plane shear as a function of their relative density, and are shown to be well predicted by previously proposed micromechanical models adapted to account for the increased nodal mass and strut separations of the snap-fit lattice design. The Ti-6Al-4V octet-truss lattices exhibit excellent mechanical properties compared to other cellular material - cell topology combinations, and appear to be promising candidates for high temperature applications where a robust mechanical performance is required. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.