On the accuracy of a homogenization scheme for the linear buckling analysis of structures assembled from beam-based lattice plates

Purpose This study examines the accuracy of a homogenization scheme for the linear buckling analysis of structures assembled from beam-based lattice plates. Regardless of in-plane acting loads, the buckling behavior is characterized by the abrupt out-of-plane deformation. Apparently, if the lattice plates are modeled as homogenized ones, the out-of-plane effective material properties should be considered. However, as prevalently implemented in literature, the in-plane effective material properties are assigned to the homogenized plates for the linear buckling analysis, and thus, the results are erroneous. Design/methodology/approach The linear buckling analysis is performed by two finite element models, i.e. the high- and low-fidelity finite element models. In the former one, each strut of the lattice structures is modeled as an Euler–Bernoulli beam, and thus, all the geometrical features are explicitly simulated. On the other hand, the low-fidelity one involves the homogenized plates having the out-of-plane effective material properties determined from the lattice counterparts using an energy-based homogenization method. Findings The accuracy of the homogenization scheme is confirmed by the comparison of results obtained by the high- and low-fidelity finite element models. Six topological configurations of the unit cells are considered, and the first five buckling modes are inspected. In all examinations, the low-fidelity finite element model offers the acceptable level of accuracy, i.e. the relative difference between two finite element models is lower than 5%. Furthermore, it is recommended to use the out-of-plane effective material properties rather than the in-plane ones to ensure the precise simulation. Originality/value The current study is original. In literature, there are some studies regarding the buckling analysis of lattice plates or panels with out-of-plane material properties. However, these studies use the analytical approach, and consequently, they are confined to lattice structures whose geometry is simple. In the present paper, structures assembled from beam-based lattice plates are examined. It can be noticed that these structures can have complex geometry. Therefore, the feasibility and accuracy of using out-of-plane effective material properties with homogenized plates for the linear buckling analysis of lattice plates are validated.