Fatigue properties of an additively manufactured lattice structure of an aluminum alloy

Abstract

Fatigue properties of an additively manufactured metal lattice structure were experimentally investigated. Fatigue specimens that have a lattice structure in their gauge section were manufactured using an aluminum alloy, AlSi10Mg, by selective laser melting powder bed fusion. The lattice structure consisted of simple cubic unit cells. Fatigue tests at room temperature in air were conducted under load control conditions with a frequency of 10 Hz and a load ratio of R = 0.1 (tension-tension) or R = 10 (compression-compression). The following achievements are reported in this manuscript: demonstrating the specimens and the testing methods; collecting basic fatigue data; understanding fundamental mechanisms of deformation and failure; evaluating an applicability of a conventional fatigue life prediction law.