Design of the Elastic Modulus of porous lattice structures composed of cells with continuously variable cross section carrying structures.

BACKGROUND: Porous bone implants have a wide range of applications for their low elastic modulus and good connectivity. It is necessary to explore an elastic modulus control method that can significantly regulate the elastic modulus under the condition of maintaining a constant porosity.

METHODS: For achieving continuously changing elastic modulus of porous lattice structure, the simple cubic lattice structures were selected as research object, and the distribution of cross-sectional sizes of its carrying structures were set as variable continuous curves. The prediction model for the elastic modulus was established based on the elasticity mechanics and the equal mass assumption. Then, the prediction model is enhanced through compression simulation of the unit cell structure. Finally, the accuracy of prediction model is validated by compression experiments.

FINDINGS: The results indicate that the distribution of cross-sectional size of the carrying structures has a significant impact on the elastic modulus of unit cell structures under the constraint of equal mass. By adjusting the characteristic parameters of distribution curves, the elastic modulus can be changed within a large range.

INTERPRETATION: Variable cross-section can effectively change the elastic modulus of porous structures while ensuring constant porosity. This method has important value in decoupling the influence of geometric parameters on the elastic modulus of porous structures.