DOI: 10.1093/jcde/qwae034 ISSN: 2288-5048

Virtual-trim: A parametric geometric modeling method for heterogeneous strut-based lattice structures

Zhuangyu Li, Wenlei Xiao, Gang Zhao, Ziqi Zhou, Shulin Chen, Changri Xiong
  • Computational Mathematics
  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Engineering (miscellaneous)
  • Modeling and Simulation
  • Computational Mechanics

Abstract

Geometric modeling has been integral to the design process with the introduction of Computer-Aided Design. With Additive Manufacturing (AM), design freedom has reached new heights, allowing for the production of complex lattice structures not feasible with traditional manufacturing methods. However, there remains a significant challenge in the geometric modeling of these lattice structures, especially for heterogeneous strut-based lattice structures. Current methods show limitations in accuracy or geometric control. This paper presents the Virtual-Trim, a novel method for the geometric modeling of heterogeneous strut-based lattice structures that is both efficient and robust. Virtual-Trim begins with user-defined wireframe models and geometric information to create STL models ready for AM, eliminating the need for labor-intensive Boolean operations. The fundamental principles and steps involved in Virtual-Trim are extensively described within. Additionally, various models using Virtual-Trim method are designed, and the performance of Virtual-Trim in terms of generation time and model size is analyzed. The successful printing of these models attests to the method's excellent manufacturability.

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