Compression performance of 3D-printed ant-inspired lattice structures: An innovative design approach
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part L: Journal of Materials: Design and Applications, cilt.240, sa.1, ss.65-76, 2026 (SCI-Expanded)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 240 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1177/14644207241313185
- Dergi Adı: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part L: Journal of Materials: Design and Applications
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Aerospace Database, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.65-76
- Anahtar Kelimeler: 3D printing, additive manufacturing, Bio-inspired structure, lattice structure, mechanical behavior, sustainable manufacturing
- Abdullah Gül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
In this study, three different ant-inspired lattice design types: single, double, and inverted double structures were considered due to ants’ excellent load-carrying weight ratio. Lattice structures were fabricated using the 3D printing method and polylactic acid filament was used as a printing material. The true blueprint images of the ant were used to obtain the parametric dimensions of the ant-inspired lattice structure. Hence, the presented innovative method for designing lattice structures can be a promising option for industrial sectors requiring high-strength structures. The quasi-static axial compression tests were conducted to evaluate the compression performance of the novel lattice structures. The compression performance of ant-inspired single lattice structures was compared based on specific force, specific energy absorption, and specific stiffness at different height values. The deformation stages and damage regions of ant-inspired lattice structures were analyzed to identify their critical regions during compression tests. The results indicated that as the height value increased, there was a notable decrease in specific force, specific energy absorption, and specific stiffness, along with buckling damage in the ant-inspired single lattice structures. Among the three design types, the ant-inspired inverted double lattice structure showed better compression performance compared to the ant-inspired double lattice structure; however, the ant-inspired single lattice structure with a height of 30 mm exhibited the highest overall compression performance.