The Laser Selective Sintering Controlled Forming of Flexible TPMS Structures.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Sports Engineering

Background:

• Flexible mechanical metamaterials offer enhanced lightweight, comfort, and energy absorption for sports equipment.
• Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattice structures provide controllable performance, surpassing traditional designs.
• Advancements in metamaterials are crucial for improving athlete well-being and competitive performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a parametric design method for TPMS lattice structures using modeling equations and homogenization theory.
• To fabricate and analyze uniform flexible TPMS lattice structures for sports applications.
• To investigate the influence of geometric shape and volume fraction on mechanical properties and explore gradient/hybrid designs.

Main Methods:

• Parametric modeling based on TPMS equations and homogenization theory simulations.
• Fabrication of flexible TPMS lattice structures using laser selective sintering of thermoplastic polyurethane.
• Compression tests and finite element analysis to evaluate hyperelastic response, elastic modulus, and energy absorption.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated efficacy of the parametric method for designing TPMS lattice structures with adjustable elastic modulus.
• Characterized hyperelastic response, stress-strain curves, and energy absorption of fabricated flexible TPMS structures.
• Identified geometric shape and volume fraction as key factors influencing mechanical properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed parametric method enables precise control over the elastic modulus of TPMS lattice structures.
• Flexible TPMS lattice structures exhibit significant potential for advanced sports equipment due to tunable mechanical properties.
• Gradient and hybrid TPMS designs offer further advantages in elasticity, energy absorption, and shock absorption for athletic applications.