Lattice modeling and finite element simulation for additive manufacturing of porous scaffolds

Abstract

Orthopaedic regenerative medicine is the latest trend in biomedical sector. Designing of bone scaffolds and implants is a challenging step followed by its fabrication and surgical implantation. Lattice structure based designs are desirable candidates for healing or replacing the damaged bones, as they provide larger surface area for osseo-integration. Additive manufacturing has the potential to fabricate these complex lattice structures. In this work SolidWorks 2016 CAD software is used for modeling the hollow cubical lattice structure which are then scaled while maintaining the same overall size and volume. After designing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is performed to investigate the compressive behavior of the lattice structures using the Abaqus 6.14 FEA package. The compressive modulus of porous scaffolds for stainless steel and Ti-6Al-4V are calculated and compared with that of a compact bone.