Affiliation:
1. School of Mechanical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830047, China
2. School of Education (Normal School), Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China
3. School of Art and Design, Guangzhou Panyu Polytechnic, Guangzhou 511483, China
4. Dongguan Institute of Science and Technology Innovation, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China
Abstract
Sports equipment crafted from flexible mechanical metamaterials offers advantages due to its lightweight, comfort, and energy absorption, enhancing athletes’ well-being and optimizing their competitive performance. The utilization of metamaterials in sports gear like insoles, protective equipment, and helmets has garnered increasing attention. In comparison to traditional truss and honeycomb metamaterials, the triply periodic minimal surface lattice structure stands out due to its parametric design capabilities, enabling controllable performance. Furthermore, the use of flexible materials empowers this structure to endure significant deformation while boasting a higher energy absorption capacity. Consequently, this study first introduces a parametric method based on the modeling equation of the triply periodic minimal surface structure and homogenization theory simulation. Experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of this method in designing triply periodic minimal surface lattice structures with a controllable and adjustable elastic modulus. Subsequently, the uniform flexible triply periodic minimal surface lattice structure is fabricated using laser selective sintering thermoplastic polyurethane technology. Compression tests and finite element simulations analyze the hyperelastic response characteristics, including the element type, deformation behavior, elastic modulus, and energy absorption performance, elucidating the stress–strain curve of the flexible lattice structure. Upon analyzing the compressive mechanical properties of the uniform flexible triply periodic minimal surface structure, it is evident that the structure’s geometric shape and volume fraction predominantly influence its mechanical properties. Consequently, we delve into the advantages of gradient and hybrid lattice structure designs concerning their elasticity, energy absorption, and shock absorption.
Funder
Key scientific research platforms and projects of Guangdong universities
Guangzhou Panyu Polytechnic
Youth Fund for Humanities and Social Sciences Research of Ministry of Education
Guangzhou higher education teaching quality and teaching reform project
Subject
General Materials Science
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