Lattice structures under uniaxial impact loads: An experimental study

Abstract

Innovative additive manufacturing processes open new design opportunities, in the field of periodic cellular shock absorbers. In this work, an experimental campaign on lattice samples has been developed and carried out for intermediate velocities. The geometries of the lattice samples used in the experimental tests are the result of a sensitivity analysis conducted in a previous work. As a complement to the results provided by the numerical model used in the sensitivity analysis, the experimental tests highlighted an aspect of capital importance: the geometry maximizing energy absorption is highly dependent on the applied strain. Furthermore, local buckling effects, induced primarily at the sample’s surfaces in contact with the support of the testing machine, induce a stiffness decrease for specific geometries, thus reducing the absorbed energy. This study emphasises the importance of geometry selection, to tailor specific mechanical responses.