Experimental investigation on vibration and static deflection of 3D printed functionally graded triply periodic minimal surface beams

Abstract

This research work presents a comprehensive experimental investigation on free vibration and static deflection behavior of functionally graded triply periodic minimal surface (FG-TPMS) beams. The grading in these beams is obtained by changing the wall thickness of the TPMS unit cell layer wise. Polylactic acid filament is used to print the samples through the fused filament fabrication approach. The study explores the influence of various geometrical dimensions, with specific emphasis on the unit cell size and its graded pattern through the thickness. Four primary lattice cells, namely, gyroid, primitive, diamond, and IWP (I-graph & wrapped package-graph), are chosen for analysis. The findings from this study provide valuable insights, demonstrating that a specific lattice cell pattern with appropriate grading has the potential to enhance the vibration properties and deflection characteristics of 3D-printed samples. This knowledge is crucial for designing lightweight and efficient structures, particularly in the context of advancements in additive manufacturing technologies. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved..