The cubic P, G, D and I-WP triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) may be c
losely approximated using periodic nodal surfaces (PNS) with few Fourier te
rms, thus enabling easy generation of TPMS for use in various chemical and
physical applications. The accuracy of such approximations is quantitativel
y discussed and represented visually using a colour coding. (C) 2001 Elsevi
er Science B.V. All rights reserved.