Energy Absorption and Stiffness of Thin and Thick-Walled Closed-Cell 3D-Printed Structures Fabricated from a Hyperelastic Soft Polymer
This study analyses the energy absorption and stiffness behaviour of 3D-printed supportless, closed-cell lattice structures. The unit cell design is bioinspired by the sea urchin morphology having organism-level biomimicry. This gives rise to an open-cell lattice structure that can be used to produc...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2022-03-01
|
| Series: | Materials |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/7/2441 |
| _version_ | 1797438660074799104 |
|---|---|
| author | Ajeet Kumar Luca Collini Chiara Ursini Jeng-Ywan Jeng |
| author_facet | Ajeet Kumar Luca Collini Chiara Ursini Jeng-Ywan Jeng |
| author_sort | Ajeet Kumar |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study analyses the energy absorption and stiffness behaviour of 3D-printed supportless, closed-cell lattice structures. The unit cell design is bioinspired by the sea urchin morphology having organism-level biomimicry. This gives rise to an open-cell lattice structure that can be used to produce two different closed-cell structures by closing the openings with thin or thick walls, respectively. In the design phase, the focus is placed on obtaining the same relative density with all structures. The present study demonstrates that closure of the open-cell lattice structure enhances the mechanical properties without affecting the functional requirements. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is used to produce the structures via additive manufacturing (AM) using fused filament fabrication (FFF). Uniaxial compression tests are performed to understand the mechanical and functional properties of the structures. Numerical models are developed adopting an advanced material model aimed at studying the hysteretic behaviour of the hyperelastic polymer. The study strengthens design principles for closed-cell lattice structures, highlighting the fact that a thin membrane is the best morphology to enhance structural properties. The results of this study can be generalised and easily applied to applications where functional requirements are of key importance, such as in the production of lightweight midsole shoes. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T11:41:29Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-6903ade87e1148b09514e0de496856dc |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1944 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T11:41:29Z |
| publishDate | 2022-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Materials |
| spelling | doaj.art-6903ade87e1148b09514e0de496856dc2023-11-30T23:32:11ZengMDPI AGMaterials1996-19442022-03-01157244110.3390/ma15072441Energy Absorption and Stiffness of Thin and Thick-Walled Closed-Cell 3D-Printed Structures Fabricated from a Hyperelastic Soft PolymerAjeet Kumar0Luca Collini1Chiara Ursini2Jeng-Ywan Jeng3High-Speed 3D Printing Research Center, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Keelung Rd., Taipei 106, TaiwanDepartment of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 181/A, 43124 Parma, ItalyDepartment of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 181/A, 43124 Parma, ItalyHigh-Speed 3D Printing Research Center, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Keelung Rd., Taipei 106, TaiwanThis study analyses the energy absorption and stiffness behaviour of 3D-printed supportless, closed-cell lattice structures. The unit cell design is bioinspired by the sea urchin morphology having organism-level biomimicry. This gives rise to an open-cell lattice structure that can be used to produce two different closed-cell structures by closing the openings with thin or thick walls, respectively. In the design phase, the focus is placed on obtaining the same relative density with all structures. The present study demonstrates that closure of the open-cell lattice structure enhances the mechanical properties without affecting the functional requirements. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is used to produce the structures via additive manufacturing (AM) using fused filament fabrication (FFF). Uniaxial compression tests are performed to understand the mechanical and functional properties of the structures. Numerical models are developed adopting an advanced material model aimed at studying the hysteretic behaviour of the hyperelastic polymer. The study strengthens design principles for closed-cell lattice structures, highlighting the fact that a thin membrane is the best morphology to enhance structural properties. The results of this study can be generalised and easily applied to applications where functional requirements are of key importance, such as in the production of lightweight midsole shoes.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/7/2441additive manufacturingcellular structuresupport-less lattice structureclosed-cell latticehyperelastic material3D printing |
| spellingShingle | Ajeet Kumar Luca Collini Chiara Ursini Jeng-Ywan Jeng Energy Absorption and Stiffness of Thin and Thick-Walled Closed-Cell 3D-Printed Structures Fabricated from a Hyperelastic Soft Polymer Materials additive manufacturing cellular structure support-less lattice structure closed-cell lattice hyperelastic material 3D printing |
| title | Energy Absorption and Stiffness of Thin and Thick-Walled Closed-Cell 3D-Printed Structures Fabricated from a Hyperelastic Soft Polymer |
| title_full | Energy Absorption and Stiffness of Thin and Thick-Walled Closed-Cell 3D-Printed Structures Fabricated from a Hyperelastic Soft Polymer |
| title_fullStr | Energy Absorption and Stiffness of Thin and Thick-Walled Closed-Cell 3D-Printed Structures Fabricated from a Hyperelastic Soft Polymer |
| title_full_unstemmed | Energy Absorption and Stiffness of Thin and Thick-Walled Closed-Cell 3D-Printed Structures Fabricated from a Hyperelastic Soft Polymer |
| title_short | Energy Absorption and Stiffness of Thin and Thick-Walled Closed-Cell 3D-Printed Structures Fabricated from a Hyperelastic Soft Polymer |
| title_sort | energy absorption and stiffness of thin and thick walled closed cell 3d printed structures fabricated from a hyperelastic soft polymer |
| topic | additive manufacturing cellular structure support-less lattice structure closed-cell lattice hyperelastic material 3D printing |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/7/2441 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT ajeetkumar energyabsorptionandstiffnessofthinandthickwalledclosedcell3dprintedstructuresfabricatedfromahyperelasticsoftpolymer AT lucacollini energyabsorptionandstiffnessofthinandthickwalledclosedcell3dprintedstructuresfabricatedfromahyperelasticsoftpolymer AT chiaraursini energyabsorptionandstiffnessofthinandthickwalledclosedcell3dprintedstructuresfabricatedfromahyperelasticsoftpolymer AT jengywanjeng energyabsorptionandstiffnessofthinandthickwalledclosedcell3dprintedstructuresfabricatedfromahyperelasticsoftpolymer |