Gyroid minimal surface-based composite porous structure with superior mechanical property via triangular grid design and stress distribution optimization

Abstract

Triply periodic minimal surface structures (TPMS) possess excellent printability during additive manufacturing processing and mechanical properties. However, for TPMS shell structure due to the single connected regions, the porosity and connectivity become limited on the premise of mechanical property. In this study, triangular grid-based design of Gyroid composite porous structure (CPS) and optimized CPS through assigning diameter based on stress distribution were proposed for obtaining higher porosity and improved mechanical properties, following the analysis of curvature distribution characteristics. Afterwards, finite element simulation and quasi-static compression tests were performed for studying the stress distribution and mechanical responses. The results showed that the designed Gyroid CPS with high porosity did not obviously destroy the original curvature characteristic, while strength, modulus and specific energy absorption were enhanced simultaneously. It is expected to provide beneficial inspiration for the design and application of TPMS-based porous structures with the integration of high porosity and mechanical property.