Finite Element Studies on Lattice Conical Shell Structures Using LS-Dyna registered

The objective of the present paper is to carry out the numerical studies on the buckling characteristics of unstiffened and anisogrid aluminium conical structures under axial static loading conditions. This study emphasizes the importance of lattice structures in space application wherein the minimization of weight of the principal part is given greater importance. Lattice structures are preferred in space applications due to their extremely low weight and high structural performance. Both unstiffened and anisogrid aluminium conical shell structures were modelled using Solidworks registered . The finite element computations were done using LS-Dyna registered under static loading conditions. The results of unstiffened and anisogrid shell structures are compared. Based on these studies, it has been asserted that there exists more energy absorption in case of anisogrid conical shell structures than the unstiffened counterpart. The results also reveal about 70% weight reduction in anisogrid conical shell structures.