Homogenization-Based Finite Element Analysis of Additively Manufacturable Periodic Lattice Architectures

Architected lattice structures are widely used in additive manufacturing (AM) to create lightweight components that combine high strength with tailored mechanical properties. However, studies that directly compare different lattice topologies under the same porosity conditions are still limited. This work presents a homogenization-based finite element approach to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of thirteen periodic lattice designs at three constant porosity levels of 60%, 75%, and 90%. The relationship between strut thickness and porosity has been established through regression analysis to ensure equal material volume across all topologies, allowing a fair comparison of stiffness, strength, and energy absorption. Material properties have been obtained from tensile testing of printed polymer specimens and used to develop homogenized lattice models for tensile, compressive, and bending simulations. The results show that mechanical performance depends strongly on both topology and loading mode. Simple cubic, iso-truss, and truncated cube lattices provide the best combination of stiffness and strength, while re-entrant and Weaire-Phelan structures offer superior energy absorption. The study demonstrates that the homogenization approach can greatly reduce computational cost and provides practical guidance for selecting suitable lattice architectures and porosity levels in lightweight AM structures.