Investigation of additive-manufactured TPMS structures in static creep and/or relaxation tests using DMA equipment

  • Harrass, Konstantina (TH Köln - University of Applied Sciences)
  • Anders, Denis (TH Köln - University of Applied Sciences)
  • Walkowiak, Marcel (TH Köln - University of Applied Sciences)

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Additive manufacturing (AM) is an advanced fabrication process that uses computer-aided design (CAD) data to create three-dimensional components by means of a sequential, layer-by-layer material deposition process [1]. AM has therefore made it possible to design complex geometries and lattice structures and it is also the most effective method for producing nature-inspired cellular structures. Triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) are mathematically defined minimal surfaces that are distinguished by their smooth, non‑self‑intersecting morphology and their fully interconnected, three‑dimensional network architecture. In comparison to conventional strut-based lattices, these features promote uniform stress distribution and efficient load transfer. Moreover, their elevated surface-area-to-volume ratios combined with continuous channels facilitate enhanced heat and mass transfer, making TPMS structures highly suitable for structural, thermal and biomedical applications. [2-5]. In this study, various TPMS structures are fabricated using a 3D printer. The time-dependent deformation (static compression test measurements) of the TPMS geometries made out of different thermoplastic polymers (both amorphous and semi-crystalline) under constant stress (creep) and constant elongation (relaxation) is examined, respectively, using a DMA-equipment (DMA 242 E Artemis, NETZSCH). The effects of applied stresses and/or strains, as well as operating temperatures, on the creep and relaxation behaviour during loading-unloading cycles are assessed, with a discussion of their correlation to distinct TPMS geometries.