Machine Learning and RSM for Lattice Structure Optimization

This study concerns the analysis of lattice structures printed with EPAX resin for the manufacturing of a motorcycling throttle cam with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). The design of the pattern core in the lattice structure is defined parametrically to identify optimal design points (best stiffness to weight ratio in particular). Some geometric parameters used as input in RSM and in the NN analysis include the origin of the lattice structure and its spatial orientation, cell dimensions, and thicknesses. The dataset obtained with this approach is used for an RSM analysis of variance (ANOVA) to highlight the most important inputs. NN analysis is performed on the same RSM dataset to confirm the results. Both methodologies identify in-domain points of optimal design due to the typical non-linear behavior of these structures. The literature and industrial experience already provide numerous references to studies characterizing lattice structures. However, related practical applications are often incomplete and only achieve functional rather than optimal models. The approach described also aims to overcome this limitation. The software used for the design is nTop 5.0.4.