Characterization of additively manufactured triply periodic minimal surface structures under compressive loading

Abstract

Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures can produce tailored complex structures for various applications and serve as substitutes for polymeric foams. In this study, six different types of TPMS structures (Neovious, gyroid, Schwarz P, Lidinoid, split P, and diamond) were examined under quasi-static compression in terms of their energy absorption capabilities, mechanical properties, and weights, which were compared with those of expanded polystyrene foam and the original printing material Z-Ultra. It was found that the Neovious, diamond, and Lidinoid structures were most suitable for substituting expanded polystyrene foam, especially in safety helmets requiring high specific energy absorption capabilities.

Keywords:

• Additive manufacturing
• energy absorption
• gyroid
• lidiniod
• neovious
• triply periodic minimal surface structures

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank nTopology that provided the software that was essential to prepare all the CAD models.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) disclose receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by the “University of Zaragoza- Centro Universitario de la Defensa” joint Research Grant. (grant number UZCUD2019-TEC-04).