Modulation of thermo-hydraulic performance in gyroid TPMS structures using a periodic exponential function

This study proposes an innovative design method based on periodic exponential functions to overcome the limitations of traditional triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) regarding surface topography control and parametric flexibility. By adjusting the exponential parameter t , this method enables continuous morphological modulation of Gyroid-like structures. Numerical simulation results indicate that when t = 1.75, the reconstructed structure exhibits optimal overall performance: its performance evaluation criterion ( PEC ) deviates by only +1.48 % from that of the classic Gyroid structure, while the heat transfer rate ( Q ) improves by 3.84 %. Simultaneously, the pressure drop (Δ P ) and friction factor ( f ) decrease by 13.21 % and 23.15 %, respectively; the j / f factor increases by 21.03 %, and the volumetric heat transfer rate ( Q / V ) rises by 8.91 %. Further analysis demonstrates that periodic functions exhibiting sine- and cosine-like variations are generally applicable for constructing TPMS structures. Additionally, as the periodic function transitions from convex to concave, Gyroid-like structures follow a universal evolutionary pattern characterized by expanding through-holes and the formation of surface protrusions that eventually connect to form rib-columns. This work elucidates the fundamental configurational evolution mechanism of TPMS from the perspective of structural generation. It not only provides a novel approach for the parametric design of heat exchangers but also broadens the potential for cross-disciplinary applications in areas such as lightweight structures and additive manufacturing.