Abstract
The performance of triply periodic minimum surface (TPMS) lattice structures was evaluated for use as energy absorbers in automobile crash structures. Schoen’s Gyroid TPMS lattice structures were manufactured from colorFabb carbon fibre reinforced nylon (PA-CF) filament using fusion deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing. Compressive and energy absorption performance was quantified experimentally using quasi-static compression testing. Test samples were replicated at different gyroid cell size and continuous surface thickness combinations. Results were compared to published data from other lattice structures to assess relative performance, and analysed to develop a recommended gyroid TPMS geometry. It was determined that varying either the continuous surface thickness, or unit cell size influenced the performance of the structure. A gyroid TPMS structure with a cell size of 10 mm, and a continuous surface thickness of 2 mm was found to perform the best, achieving an impressively high specific energy absorption capacity of 13.06 J/g (± 0.15), significantly outperforming both 3D truss and traditional 2D lattice structures for use in the automotive industry.
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Acknowledgements
N. Cresswell would like to acknowledge the Australian Government Department of Defence for providing the Defence Civilian Undergraduate Scholarship program which supports his studies.
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Cresswell, N.D., Ameri, A.A.H., Wang, J., Wang, H., Hazell, P., Escobedo-Diaz, J.P. (2024). Characterization and Modelling of Triply Periodic Minimum Surface (TPMS) Lattice Structures for Energy Absorption in Automotive Applications. In: Peng, Z., et al. Characterization of Minerals, Metals, and Materials 2024. TMS 2024. The Minerals, Metals & Materials Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-50304-7_28
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-50304-7_28
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