Investigation of static behavior of functionally graded porous sandwich beams with TPMS core

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are innovative structures created by combining the properties of different materials. Functionally graded porous materials (FGPMs) are materials in which the size, shape, distribution, and density of pores change gradually in a specific direction, providing lightness and high energy absorption. Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures, especially when used in the inner layers, optimize load distribution and energy absorption characteristics. In this study, bending analyses of a simply supported functionally graded porous sandwich beam were performed. The surface layers of the beam consist of an isotropic material, while the core layer is made of a functionally graded TPMS structure. In this study, it is assumed that the material properties of the functionally graded porous surface and core layers vary according to the force law distribution along the thickness. The equations of motion of the beam were derived using Hamilton’s principle. Solutions were obtained in closed form using the Navier method. Numerical results were obtained by varying the density and the volume fraction index, the thickness-to-length ratio, and the thickness ratios of the core and surface layers.