OPTIMAL PyCode: design of TPMS from simple to customized structures
Optimal is a Python-based code that enables the generation and design of TPMS (Triply Periodic Minimal Surface) periodic structures with tunable porosity and cell size, which can be exported in formats suitable for additive manufacturing and computational simulations.
Some notable applications include:
Exploiting their ability to absorb or attenuate specific frequencies and vibrations: sound-absorbing panels for noisy environments, shock absorbers for vehicles, and acoustic isolators—for example, for engine compartments in marine or land transportation.
Leveraging weight optimization combined with localized mechanical properties: customized seats/headrests for automobiles and other transport vehicles, as well as bicycle or motorcycle saddles.
Gyroid and Primitive structure
Design of a TPMS cube with different number of unit cells and different porosity
Cell and density gradient structure
Design of TPMS structures with a gradient in cell size and/or density along one or more directions
Hybrid and Solid-Network structure
Design solid-newtwork structures or a combination of two different TPMS
Simple customized structure
Design simple customized structures:
a sphere, a cylinder or a circular crown.
Customized TPMS structure
It is now possible to design customized TPMS structures that seamlessly blend Gyroid or Primitive unit cells to create free-form architectures tailored to specific applications. These designs enable precise control of mechanical response, density, and functionality across complex shapes.
How can we use this geometries?
The tool supports customizable geometries with adjustable porosity, gradients, and hybrid topologies, enabling detailed control over density distribution and mechanical response. Furthermore, the code generates an ‘.inp’ file as output, which can be seamlessly imported into finite element analysis (FEA) software for the simulation. This allows users to perform accurate mechanical and acoustic simulations.
Band-gap in Primitive matching layer
We design a TPMS density-gradient matching layer to improve energy transmission and achieve tunable band gaps.
Pressure distribution on a hybrid shoe sole
We design a hybrid TPMS shoe sole to analyze the pressure distribution under the foot.
Performance of Primitive heat exchanger
We design a Primitive heat exchanger to to analyze the performance improvements of this type of heat exchanger.
