Fast estimation of bending stiffness in sandwich-structured composites with 3D printed TPMS core

This article presents a preliminary design methodology that enables rapid estimation of composite sandwich structures with bioinspired triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) core originally employed in tissue engineering. The study employs representative volume element (RVE) homogenization analysis to calculate the stiffness matrix. Furthermore, the enhancement of bending stiffness through the incorporation of different material layers to the TPMS core is analyzed. This proposed design approach provides a time-saving alternative to extensive FEM analysis, particularly for large models. Initial estimations based on geometry, dimensions, material properties, and total weight considerations aid in selecting designs for further detailed FEM analysis.