Understanding compressive deformation behavior of porous Ti using finite element analysis

• Porous CP-Ti samples fabricated using additive manufacturing technique
• Compressive deformation behavior of porous samples closely matches with micro-CT and RVE based analysis
• In vitro studies showed better cell proliferation with time on porous CP-Ti surfaces

In the present study, porous commercially pure (CP) Ti samples with different volume fraction of porosities were fabricated using a commercial additive manufacturing technique namely laser engineered net shaping (LENS™). Mechanical behavior of solid and porous samples was evaluated at room temperature under quasi-static compressive loading. Fracture surfaces of the failed samples were analyzed to determine the failure modes. Finite Element (FE) analysis using representative volume element (RVE) model and micro-computed tomography (CT) based model have been performed to understand the deformation behavior of laser deposited solid and porous CP-Ti samples. In vitro cell culture on laser processed porous CP-Ti surfaces showed normal cell proliferation with time, and confirmed non-toxic nature of these samples.