Dampening vibration by use of lattice structures made by AM

Abstract

Vibration damping is a crucial part of design in mechanical systems. Unwanted vibrations can damage mechanical systems and compromise safety as well as causing user discomfort. Traditional methods for damping vibrations - ranging from passive materials to active systems - can have limitations in terms of efficiency and usage in harsh conditions. Lattice structures present a promising alternative due to their highly tunable geometry and frequency ranges, light weight and structural integrity. Through a comprehensive literature review, this work examines different lattice configurations, such as truss-based, surface-based and auxetic designs along with their respective mechanisms for vibration attenuation. The study also evaluates manufacturing methods and applications for lattice structures. Findings highlight the growing potential of use of lattice structures in tailored vibration damping applications and the importance of lattice structure metamaterials as structural elements.