Optimization of strut diameters in lattice structures

Additive manufactured lattice structures show a high potential for lightweight design. Currently, these structures have a periodical build-up, which leads to disadvantageous stress states. On the one hand, unfavorable bending loads on the single struts appear. This can be avoided by an adaption of the course of the structure to the main stress directions inside the part. On the other hand, different stress values are appearing inside the single struts. Therefore, a procedure for the optimization of the struts diameters is presented. Thus, it becomes possible to achieve equal stresses in the whole structure and gain a better lightweight performance.