An Enhanced Three-Dimensional Auxetic Lattice Structure with Improved Property

In order to enhance the mechanical property of auxetic lattice structures, a new enhanced auxetic lattice structure was designed by embedding narrow struts into a three-dimensional (3D) re-entrant lattice structure. A series of enhanced lattice structures with varied parameters were fabricated by 3D printing combined with the molten metal infiltration technique. Based on the method, parameter studies were performed. The enhanced auxetic lattice structure was found to exhibit superior mechanical behaviors compared to the 3D re-entrant lattice structure. An interesting phenomenon showed that increasing the diameter of connecting struts led to less auxetic and non-auxetic structures. Moreover, the compressive property of the enhanced structure also exhibited obvious dependence on the base material and compression directions. The present study can provide useful information for the design, fabrication and application of new auxetic structures with enhanced properties.