Functionally Graded Lattice Structures: Fabrication Methods, Mechanical Properties, Failure Mechanisms and Applications

Lattice structures have become a universal three-dimensional design model that can be treated as an excellent candidate for energy absorption and light-weighting purposes. Development of recent fabrication techniques such as Additive Manufacturing (AM) has given further flexibility in design and fabrication of these porous structures. Although the topic of design and optimizing uniform lattice structures (ULS) have attracted considerable attention during the past decade, there is still a knowledge gap in the design of functionally graded lattice structures (FGLS). Due to the unique method of customizing the structural distributions and performances, FGLSs can have a multifunctional nature that requires further studies. This chapter reviews the fabrication methods, mechanical properties, and industrial applications of FGLSs fabricated via various AM technologies, as well as a comparison between the mechanical properties of ULS and FGLS.