Additive manufacturing of triply periodic minimal surface informed load bearing stiffness matched tibial bone scaffold

This thesis investigates the development of titanium scaffolds based on Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures to create bone implants that effectively match the mechanical properties of the tibia. The primary goal is to design and fabricate titanium (Ti6Al4V) scaffolds that provide optimal load-bearing capacity while closely matching the stiffness of the host bone, thereby promoting better integration and reducing the risk of implant failure. TPMS structures are selected due to their unique geometrical properties, which offer a high surface area to volume ratio and excellent mechanical performance. These characteristics are crucial for bone scaffolds, as they can enhance osseointegration and provide sufficient mechanical support. The research employs advanced additive manufacturing techniques, specifically Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), to produce complex TPMS geometries with precise control over porosity and mechanical properties. The surrogate model developed in this thesis can be used-defined to generate scaffold with targeted stiffness to match the host bone. Manufacturers and research institutions can utilise the validated methodology presented in this thesis to enhance and create alternative prototypes for advancing developments in the field of meta-biomaterials.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wolverhampton

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Appiah, Martin

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Arjunan, Arun

• additive manufacturing
• analytical hierarchy process
• critical size bone defect
• triply periodic minimum surface
• laser powder bed fusion
• ntopology
• response surface
• finite element analysis
• analysis of variance
• Box-Behnken

Licence

• https://wlv.openrepository.com/bitstreams/314c957f-d79c-4e99-bf6c-2919de46bbd7/download