Investigation of continuous fiber-reinforced triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) for high-performance energy absorption applications
Topic(s) : Material and Structural Behavior - Simulation & Testing
Co-authors :
Bence SZEDERKÉNYI , Norbert Krisztián KOVÁCS (HUNGARY), Tibor CZIGÁNY (HUNGARY)Abstract :
Homogeneous and quasi-homogeneous cell structures and stochastic foams have long been integral to engineering applications, with well-established design principles and constraints applied in everyday life. In recent years, considerable research has been devoted to systematically designed cellular structures, mainly driven by the widespread adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies that enable the fabrication of complex systems. In engineering practice, triple-periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) represent a subtype of cellular systems that exhibit outstanding performance and application possibilities in lightweight, high-strength building elements, internal structures of heat exchangers, and energy-absorbing structures [1].
As for the materials used, the mentioned cellular systems are mainly crafted from metals or polymers, with the role of composites in this field currently playing a less significant role [2]. However, with the emergence of AM technologies applicable to polymer composites, exploration of these materials embedded in cellular systems has begun [3]. In composite TPMS systems, current literature primarily focuses on short-fiber composites, with limited studies investigating the effects of continuous fiber placement [2].
A characteristic material for high-performance energy-absorbing systems involves continuous carbon fiber-reinforced composites embedded in a thermoset matrix. These systems' high specific energy-absorbing capacity is attributed to their low specific mass and a properly initiated stable fiber-breaking mechanism. Triggering this mechanism poses a significant challenge even for traditional, highly consolidated composites, but it becomes more pronounced in additively manufactured porous systems with numerous microvoids. Additionally, at the mesoscale, adhesion plays a crucial role in energy absorption, and poor interlayer adhesion significantly impairs the performance of fiber-reinforced cellular systems by activating less favorable failure mechanisms.
In our study, we utilized a Markforged Mark Two FDM printer to produce various cell structures, reinforcement types, and reinforcement patterns for continuous fibers. Subsequently, we investigated the energy absorption capabilities of these short and continuous fiber-reinforced cellular composite structures (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Our research aims to induce beneficial failure mechanisms in continuous fibers, maximizing the specific energy-absorbing capability (SEA) of the entire structure. Our results can significantly contribute to developing modern energy-absorbing devices, where architected cellular structures, and consequently the maximization of their performance, play an increasingly pivotal role.
As for the materials used, the mentioned cellular systems are mainly crafted from metals or polymers, with the role of composites in this field currently playing a less significant role [2]. However, with the emergence of AM technologies applicable to polymer composites, exploration of these materials embedded in cellular systems has begun [3]. In composite TPMS systems, current literature primarily focuses on short-fiber composites, with limited studies investigating the effects of continuous fiber placement [2].
A characteristic material for high-performance energy-absorbing systems involves continuous carbon fiber-reinforced composites embedded in a thermoset matrix. These systems' high specific energy-absorbing capacity is attributed to their low specific mass and a properly initiated stable fiber-breaking mechanism. Triggering this mechanism poses a significant challenge even for traditional, highly consolidated composites, but it becomes more pronounced in additively manufactured porous systems with numerous microvoids. Additionally, at the mesoscale, adhesion plays a crucial role in energy absorption, and poor interlayer adhesion significantly impairs the performance of fiber-reinforced cellular systems by activating less favorable failure mechanisms.
In our study, we utilized a Markforged Mark Two FDM printer to produce various cell structures, reinforcement types, and reinforcement patterns for continuous fibers. Subsequently, we investigated the energy absorption capabilities of these short and continuous fiber-reinforced cellular composite structures (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Our research aims to induce beneficial failure mechanisms in continuous fibers, maximizing the specific energy-absorbing capability (SEA) of the entire structure. Our results can significantly contribute to developing modern energy-absorbing devices, where architected cellular structures, and consequently the maximization of their performance, play an increasingly pivotal role.