Finite element analysis of gradient lattice structure patterns for bone implant design

Purpose The objective of this paper is to identify suitable lattice structure patterns for the design of porous bone implants manufactured using additive manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach The study serves to compare and analyse the mechanical behaviours between cubic and octet-truss gradient lattice structures. The method used was uniaxial compression simulations using finite element analysis to identify the translational displacements. Findings From the simulation results, in comparison to the cubic lattice structure, the octet-truss lattice structure showed a significant difference in mechanical behaviour. In the same design space, the translational displacement for both lattice structures increased as the relative density decreased. Apart from the relative density, the microarchitecture of the lattice structure also influenced the mechanical behaviour of the gradient lattice structure. Research limitations/implications Gradient lattice structures are suitable for bone implant applications because of the variation of pore sizes that mimic the natural bone structures. The complex geometry that gradient lattice structures possess can be manufactured using additive manufacturing technology. Originality/value The results demonstrated that the cubic gradient lattice structure has the best mechanical behaviour for bone implants with appropriate relative density and pore size.