Dynamic Modal Parameters of an Extremely Lightweight Structure Using a Gyroid Core for Bridge Bearings

Abstract

This article reports an extremely lightweight structure used as a sandwich core for bridge bearings due to their superior mechanical properties, such as sound and vibration attenuation, rigidity, and energy absorption. The structure is based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) conceived by observing the scales of butterflies’ wings. The vibration behaviours of this innovative structure used in these bearings are not well-known and have never been fully investigated. Therefore, it is important to comprehend their vibration behaviours and also to identify dynamic modal parameters of these bridge bearings. Two gyroid sandwich panel finite element models with different unit cell sizes used as bridge bearings are examined with a computational method. The numerical investigation shows the vibration mechanisms and provides the dynamic modal parameters important in establishing relationships between its mechanical performance and geometry. Finite element predictions of the vibration behaviours of the two models with different unit cell sizes under free vibration provide good results. These results can be implemented to better generate informed lightweight structure designs for bridge bearings, which are subjected to different vibration conditions.