Current trends in additively manufactured (3D printed) energy absorbing structures for crashworthiness application – a review

Abstract

Inspired by the vast amounts of investigations carried out on three-dimensional (3D) printed structures and their recent accelerated developments, the present review paper comprehensively describes the current trends as well as promising findings of 3D printed energy absorbing structures (EAS) for crashworthiness application. Particular attention is paid to the mechanical behaviour and crushing performance of 3D printed EAS. The main 3D printing technological processes, their material feedstocks choices and unique structural designs, investigated recently, are discussed in detail. Deformation modes obtained by 3D printed EAS under different loading conditions are identified. Additionally, salient suggestions with future realisation of complex 3D printed EAS are provided. This review will serve as a springboard to propel the technological advancement of additively manufactured EAS incorporated into moving vehicles and utilised as protective devices. Hence, setting the goals to encourage novel research that guarantees the efficient protection of lives and valuables during mild and catastrophic impacts.

Keywords

• additive manufacturing/3d printing
• crashworthiness performance
• energy absorption
• mechanical behaviour
• deformation mode