Abstract

Scientific research indicates a growing utilization of lightweight, high-performance materials across various disciplines, including engineering, driven by the demands of modern technological advancements. Recent developments within these fields include the creation of advanced lattice structures through additive manufacturing (AM) processes. One such lattice structure is the triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structure. TPMS structures possess unique mechanical properties and energy absorption characteristics that distinguish them from conventional AM lattice structures. However, published research to date has largely focused on the quasi-static behavior of TPMS structures, with limited attention given to the impact performance of composite- reinforced TPMS structures. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of geometric configuration (i.e., Schwarz-P, Schwarz-D, and Gyroid), cell size, and carbon fibre composite reinforcement on the impact performance of AM lattice structures. Specimens from each geometric configuration were fabricated using a fused deposition modelling process, with continuous carbon fibre composites employed as reinforcement. Experimental designs were structured using Taguchi L27 orthogonal arrays, and energy absorption capabilities were evaluated through Charpy impact testing. The resulting data were analyzed using Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio analysis, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and regression modelling. The results indicate that cell size exerts the greatest influence on energy absorption, with reinforcement layering and geometry also contributing to a lesser degree. Smaller cell sizes with moderate reinforcement levels demonstrated superior energy absorption performance, while specific geometric configurations exhibited varying failure modes, yielding behavior, and deformation characteristics. Although the predictive utility of the regression models was constrained by experimental variability, the models yielded useful insight into the relationships among the experimental parameters. The identified optimal parameter combination is expected to maximize impact resistance in TPMS lattice structures, providing valuable guidance to design engineers in applications requiring high energy absorption.

Publication Date

4-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Mechanical Engineering (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor

Salman Pervaiz

Advisor/Committee Member

Wael Abdel Samad

Advisor/Committee Member

Umer Javed

Campus

RIT Dubai

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