Experimental investigation of the use of additively manufactured tpu materials for vibration and impact damping purposes in light firearm platforms

In this thesis study, the changes in impact and vibration values were observed as a result of using parts produced with different internal structures such as grid and gyroid, made through Additive Manufacturing with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) material, in lightweight firing platforms. Samples with 40% infill rates for grid and gyroid internal structures were used to create four separate specimens, from which eight experiments were planned to be attached as pads and flanges in the weapon system. Following these experiments, vibration and force data were collected from the firing platform with the help of sensors. The obtained vibration and force values were graphically analyzed by comparing parameters such as usage locations and internal structures. The experimental results indicated that the TPU material, depending on the usage location and internal structure, positively influenced the impact and vibration values after firing.