Finite Element Analysis Study on Lattice Structure Fabricated Recycled Polystyrene from Post-used Styrofoam Waste

Abstract

Lattice structure design widely applicable for 3D printed components. This research investigated the lattice structure with different shape and relative density using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation. The material used for the lattice structure was the recycled polystyrene made from post-used Styrofoam. The research assessed the mechanical behaviour of lattice structure with either triangular prism and square prism with FEA simulation and numerical mathematical modelling, such as stiffness to-mass ratio, maximum von Misses stress and effective Young’s modulus. The finding FEA shows a good agreement with result from numerical mathematic modelling. The FEA results show lattice structure with triangular prism exhibited lowest value of maximum von Misses stress with maximum stiffness-to-mass value compared to lattice structure square prism. The finding from this work provided an early prediction on mechanical properties of lattice structure fabricated from recycled polystyrene.