FURI | Spring 2024

Finite Element Modeling to Optimize Degradation Properties on Polymeric Materials

The ease at which items can be manufactured with 3D printers has the potential to reduce large amounts of single-use waste when constructed correctly. By fabricating lattice structures instead of a solid mass of material reduces material use. Unfortunately, the reduction in material mass can cause a loss in strain tolerance in the material. Therefore, the geometry of the remaining lattice and its impact on the strain tolerance must be optimized. To do this, finite element modeling in combination with artificial intelligence is used to maximize the mechanical performance parameters and find the ideal lattice geometry.