Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: In this work, we investigated tessellating cellular (or lattice) structures for use in a low thermal expansion machine frame. We proposed a concept for a lattice structure with tailorable effective coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The design is an assembly of two parts: a lattice outer part and a cylindrical inner part, which are made of homogenous materials with different positive CTEs. Several lattice design variations were investigated and their thermal and mechanical performance analysed using a finite element method. Our numerical models showed that a lattice design using Nylon 12 and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene could yield an effective in-plane CTE of 1 × 10−9 K−1 (cf. 109 × 10−6 K−1 for solid Nylon 12). This paper showed that the combination of design optimisation and additive manufacturing can be used to achieve low CTE structures and, therefore, low thermal expansion machine frames of a few tens of centimetres in height.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app11199135
Institution: University of Nottingham
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,160
OpenAlex ID: W3158317794