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.

Citation

Appiah, M. (2025) Additive manufacturing of triply periodic minimal surface informed load bearing stiffness matched tibial bone scaffold. University of Wolverhampton. https://wlv.openrepository.com/handle/2436/626047

Publisher

University of Wolverhampton

URI

https://wlv.openrepository.com/handle/2436/626047

Type

Thesis or dissertation

Language

en

Description

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Wolverhampton for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Collections

Theses and Dissertations