Scalable 3D‐printed lattices for pressure control in fluid applications

Additive manufacturing affords precise control over geometries with high degrees of complexity and predefined structure. Lattices are one class of additive‐only structures which have great potential in directing transport phenomena because they are highly ordered, scalable, and modular. However, a comprehensive description of how these structures scale and interact in heterogeneous systems is still undetermined. To advance this aim, we designed cubic and Kelvin lattices at two sub‐5‐mm length scales and compared published correlations to the experimental pressure gradient in pipes ranging from 12 to 52 mm diameter. We further investigated all combinations of the four lattices to evaluate segmented combinatorial behavior. The results suggest that a single correlation can describe pressure behavior for different lattice geometries and scales. Furthermore, combining lattice systems in series has a complex effect that is sensitive to part geometry. Together, these developments support the promise for tailored, modular lattice systems at laboratory scales and beyond.