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This study aims to investigate the prediction of the nonlinear response of three-dimensional-printed polymeric lattice structures with and without structural defects. Unlike metallic structures, the deformation behavior of polymeric components is difficult to quantify through the classical numerical analysis approach as a result of their nonlinear behavior under mechanical loads.

Geometric models of periodic lattice structures were designed via PTC Creo. Imperfections in the form of missing unit cells are introduced in the replica of the lattice structure. The perfect and imperfect lattice structures have the same dimensions – 10 mm × 14 mm × 30 mm (w × h × L). The fused deposition modelling technique is used to fabricate the parts. The fabricated parts were subjected to physical compression tests to provide a measure of their transverse compressibility resistance. The ensuing nonlinear response from the experimental tests is deployed to develop a support vector machine surrogate model.

Results from the surrogate model’s performance, in terms of correlation coefficient, rose to as high as 99.91% for the nonlinear compressive stress with a minimum achieved being 98.51% across the four datasets used. In the case of deflection response, the model accuracy rose to as high as 99.74% while the minimum achieved is 98.56% across the four datasets used.

The developed model facilitates the prediction of the quasi-static response of the structures in the absence and presence of defects without the need for repeated physical experiments. The structure investigated is designed for target applications in hierarchical polymer packaging, and the methodology presents a cost-saving method for data-driven constitutive modelling of polymeric parts.

Additive manufacturing (AM), a rapidly evolving paradigm, has shown significant advantages over traditional subtractive processing routines by allowing for the custom creation of structural components with enhanced performance. Numerous studies have shown that the technical qualities of AM components are profoundly affected by the discovery of novel metastable substructures in diverse alloys. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of cell structure parameters on its mechanical response.

Initially, a methodology was suggested for testing porous materials, focusing on static tensile testing. For a qualitative evaluation of the cellular structures produced, computed tomography (CT) was used. Then, the CT scanner was used to analyze a sample and determine its actual relative density, as well as perform a detailed geometric analysis.

The experimental research demonstrates that the mechanical properties of a cell’s structure are significantly influenced by its shape during formation. It was also determined that using selective laser melting to produce cell structures with a minimum single-cell size of approximately 2 mm would be the most appropriate method.

Further studies of cellular structures for testing their static tensile strength are planned for the future. The study will be carried out for a larger number of samples, taking into account a wider range of cellular structure parameters. An important step will also be the verification of the results of the static tensile test using numerical analysis for the model obtained by CT scanning.

The fabrication of metallic parts with different cellular structures is very important with a selective laser melted machine. However, the determination of cell size and structure with mechanical properties is quiet novel in this current investigation.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) conventionally necessitates an intermediary slicing procedure using the standard tessellation language (STL) data, which can be computationally burdensome, especially for intricate microcellular architectures. This study aims to propose a direct slicing method tailored for digital light processing-type AM processes for the efficient generation of slicing data for microcellular structures.

The authors proposed a direct slicing method designed for microcellular structures, encompassing micro-lattice and triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures. The sliced data of these structures were represented mathematically and then convert into 2D monochromatic images, bypassing the time-consuming slicing procedures required by 3D STL data. The efficiency of the proposed method was validated through data preparations for lattice-based nasopharyngeal swabs and TPMS-based ellipsoid components. Furthermore, its adaptability was highlighted by incorporating 2D images of additional features, eliminating the requirement for complex 3D Boolean operations.

The direct slicing method offered significant benefits upon implementation for microcellular structures. For lattice-based nasopharyngeal swabs, it reduced data size by a factor of 1/300 and data preparation time by a factor of 1/8. Similarly, for TPMS-based ellipsoid components, it reduced data size by a factor of 1/60 and preparation time by a factor of 1/16.

The direct slicing method allows for bypasses the computational burdens associated with traditional indirect slicing from 3D STL data, by directly translating complex cellular structures into 2D sliced images. This method not only reduces data volume and processing time significantly but also demonstrates the versatility of sliced data preparation by integrating supplementary features using 2D operations.

Cushioning is a useful material property applicable for a range of applications from medical devices to personal protective equipment. The current ability to apply cushioning in a product context is limited by the appropriateness of available materials, with polyurethane foams being the current gold standard material. The purpose of this study is to investigate additively manufactured flexible printing of scaffold structures as an alternative.

In this study, this study investigates triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures, including Gyroid, Diamond and Schwarz P formed in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), as a possible alternative. Each TPMS structure was fabricated using material extrusion additive manufacturing and evaluated to ASTM mechanical testing standard for polymers. This study focuses attention to TPMS structures fabricated for a fixed unit cell size of 10 mm and examine the compressive properties for changes in the scaffold porosity for samples fabricated in TPU with a shore hardness of 63A and 90A.

It was discovered that for increased porosity there was a measured reduction in the load required to deform the scaffold. Additionally, a complex relationship between the shore hardness and the stiffness of a structure. It was highlighted that through the adjustment of porosity, the compressive strength required to deform the scaffolds to a point of densification could be controlled and predicted with high repeatability.

The results indicate the ability to tailor the scaffold design parameters using both 63A and 90A TPU material, to mimic the loading properties of common polyurethane foams. The use of these structures indicates a next generation of tailored cushioning using additive manufacturing techniques by tailoring both geometry and porosity to loading and compressive strengths.

The purpose of this research is to efficiently separate incident terahertz (THz) waves into distinct transmission and reflection channels by minimizing the absorption ratio. So, the optical systems operating within the THz frequency range can developed. To achieve a multi-band response, four different periodic arrays of graphene patterns are used. These arrays are strategically stacked on both sides of three SU-8 photoresists, serving as dielectric materials. Consequently, each layer exhibits a unique influence on the device's response, and by applying four external bias voltages, the behavior of the device can be precisely controlled and adjusted.

A novel optoelectronic device operating in the THz frequency range is introduced, using periodic arrays of graphene patterns and SU-8 photoresist dielectrics. The design of this device is based on meta-surface principles, using both the equivalent circuit model (ECM) and transmission line concept. The output of the device is a THz coupler implemented by analyzing the reflection and transmission channels. The structure is characterized using the ECM and validated through comprehensive full-wave simulations. By representing the electromagnetic phenomenon with passive circuit elements, enabling the calculation of absorption, reflection and transmission through the application of the theory of maximum power transfer.

Based on simulation results and theoretical analysis, the proposed device exhibits sensitivity to gate biasing, enabling efficient reflection and transmission of THz waves. The device achieves reflection and transmission peaks exceeding across the five distinct THz bands 90%, and its behavior can be tuned by external gate biasing. Moreover, the device's sensitivity to variations in geometrical parameters and chemical potentials demonstrates its reliable performance. With its outstanding performance, this high-performance meta-surface emerges as an ideal candidate for fundamental building blocks in larger optical systems, including sensors and detectors, operating within the THz frequency band.

The proposed device covers a significant portion of the THz gap through the provision of five adjustable peaks for reflection and transmission channels. Additionally, the ECM and impedance matching concept offers a simplified and time-efficient approach to designing the meta-surface. Leveraging this approach, the proposed device is effectively represented using passive circuit elements such as inductors, capacitors and resistors, while its performance is validated through the utilization of the finite element method (FEM) as a full-wave simulation tool. This combination of circuit modeling and FEM simulation contributes to the robustness and accuracy of the device's performance evaluation.

This paper aims to present a hierarchical multiscale model to evaluate the effect of fused deposition modeling (FDM) process parameters on mechanical properties. Asymptotic homogenization mathematical theory is developed into two scales (micro and macro scales) to compute the effective elastic and shear modulus of the printed parts. Four parameters, namely, raster orientation, layer height, build orientation and porosity are studied.

The representative volume elements (RVEs) are generated by mimicking the microstructure of the printed parts. The RVEs subjected to periodic boundary conditions were solved using finite element. The experimental characterization according to ASTM D638 was conducted to validate the computational modeling results.

The computational model reports reduction (E1, ∼>38%) and (G12, ∼>50%) when porosity increased. The elastic modulus increases (1.31%–47.68%) increasing the orthotropic behavior in parts. Quasi-solids parts (100% infill) possess 10.71% voids. A reduction of 11.5% and 16.5% in elastic modulus with layer height is reported. In total, 45–450 oriented parts were highly orthotropic, and 0–00 parts were strongest. The order of parameters affecting the mechanical properties is porosity > layer height > raster orientation > build orientation.

This study adds value to the state-of-the-art terms of construction of RVEs using slicing software, discarding the necessity of image processing and study of porosity in FDM parts, reporting that the infill density is not the only measure of porosity in these parts.

The purpose of this paper is the design and experimental investigation of compact hybrid sound-absorbing materials presenting low-frequency and broadband sound absorption.

The hybrid materials combine microchannels and helical tubes. Microchannels provide broadband sound absorption in the middle frequency range. Helical tubes provide low-frequency absorption. Optimal configurations of microchannels are used and analytical equations are developed to guide the design of the helical tubes. Nine hybrid materials with 30 mm thickness are produced via additive manufacturing. They are combinations of one-, two- and four-layer microchannels and helical tubes with 110, 151 and 250 mm length. The sound absorption coefficient of the hybrid materials is measured using an impedance tube.

The type of microchannels (i.e. one, two or four layers), the number of rotations and the number of tubes are key parameters affecting the acoustic performance. For instance, in the 500 Hz octave band (α₅₀₀), sound absorption of a 30 mm thick hybrid material can reach 0.52 which is 5.7 times higher than the α₅₀₀ of a typical periodic porous material with the same thickness. Moreover, the broadband sound absorption for mid-frequencies is reasonably high with and α₁₀₀₀ > 0.7. The ratio of first absorption peak wavelength to structure thickness λ/T can reach 17, which is characteristic of deep-subwavelength behaviour.

The concept and experimental validation of a compact hybrid material combining a periodic porous structure such as microchannels and long helical tubes are original. The ability to increase low-frequency sound absorption at constant depth is an asset for applications where volume and weight are constraints.

This study evaluates the potential of using the material extrusion (MEX) process for recycling waste tire rubber (WTR). By investigating the process parameters, mechanical behaviour and morphological characterisation of a thermoplastic polyurethane-waste tire rubber composite filament (TPU-WTR), this study aims to establish a framework for end-of-life tire (ELT) recycling using the MEX technology.

The research assesses the impact of various process parameters on the mechanical properties of the TPU-WTR filament. Hysteresis analysis and Poisson’s ratio estimation are conducted to investigate the material’s behaviour. In addition, the compressive performance of diverse TPU-WTR triply periodic minimal surface lattices is explored to test the filament suitability for printing intricate structures.

Results demonstrate the potential of the TPU-WTR filament in developing sustainable structures. The MEX process can, therefore, contribute to the recycling of WTR. Mechanical testing has provided insights into the influence of process parameters on the material behaviour, while investigating various lattice structures has challenged the material’s capabilities in printing complex topologies.

This research holds significant social implications addressing the growing environmental sustainability and waste management concerns. Developing 3D-printed sustainable structures using recycled materials reduces resource consumption and promotes responsible production practices for a more environmentally conscious society.

This study contributes to the field by showcasing the use of MEX technology for ELT recycling, particularly focusing on the TPU-WTR filament, presenting a novel approach to sustainable consumption and production aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.

This paper aims to focus on the finite element method in the frequency domain (FD-FEM) for the transient electric field in the non-sinusoidal steady state under the non-sinusoidal periodic voltage excitation.

Firstly, the boundary value problem of the transient electric field in the frequency domain is described, and the finite element equation of the FD-FEM is derived by Galerkin’s method. Secondly, the constrained electric field equation on the boundary in the frequency domain (FD-CEFEB) is also derived, which can solve the electric field intensity on the boundary and the dielectric interface with high accuracy. Thirdly, the calculation procedures of the FD-FEM with FD-CEFEB are introduced in detail. Finally, a numerical example of the press-packed insulated gate bipolar transistor under the working condition of the repetitive turn-on and turn-off is given.

The FD-CEFEB improves numerical accuracy of electric field intensity on the boundary and interfacial charge density, which can be achieved by modifying the existing FD-FEMs’ code in appropriate steps. Moreover, the proposed FD-FEM and the FD-CEFEB will only increase calculation costs by a little compared with the traditional FD-FEMs.

The FD-CEFEB can directly solve the electric field intensity on the boundary and the dielectric interface with high accuracy. This paper provides a new FD-FEM for the transient electric field in the non-sinusoidal steady state with high accuracy, which is suitable for combined insulation structure with a long time constant.

In order to investigate the vibration reduction properties of a three-dimensional elastic metastructure with spherical cavities at low frequencies.

The bandgap characteristics of a three-dimensional elastic metastructure with spherical cavities are studied based on analytical and numerical approaches.

The results of both method revealed that the vibration of the vertexes masses is important for opening bandgaps. The fact that the big sphere cavity radius or short side length of the cube unit leads to a wider bandgap, is noteworthy.

This research provides theoretical guidance for realizing the vibration attenuation application of EMs in practical engineering.