Mechanical performance and flow heat transfer characteristics of topologically optimised Ti-6Al-4 V lattice structures

Novel lattice structures were designed as unit cells through topological optimisation methods. Then the mechanical properties, heat transfer performance, and fluid flow characteristics of functional Ti-6Al-4 V porous components fabricated by laser powder bed melting (LPBF) were investigated, and the comprehensive performance evaluation model was established. Mechanical performance evaluations demonstrated that TopLC-L16 exhibits superior mechanical properties with a compressive strength of 486.87 MPa, a 70.76% improvement over TopFC-L16, and the fracture mechanism reveals a composite mode of ductile and brittle fracture. The temperature distributions indicate that the TopLC-L component exhibits the most efficient heat transfer performance, particularly the TopLC-L16, with a temperature gradient of 242.5 °C and a temperature gradient ratio of 64.7%. A comprehensive evaluation model shows that TopLC-L16 shows the best comprehensive performance. The study highlights the importance of optimising lattice structure design in enhancing mechanical performance and heat transfer efficiency, providing critical insights for advanced engineering applications.