3D printed elastic honeycombs with graded density for tailorable energy absorption

Simon R G Bates, Ian R Farrow, Richard S Trask

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

21 Citations (Scopus)
573 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This work describes the development and experimental analysis of hyperelastic honeycombs with graded densities, for the purpose of energy absorption. Hexagonal arrays are manufactured from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) via fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing and the density graded by varying cell wall thickness though the structures. Manufactured samples are subject to static compression tests and their energy absorbing potential analysed via the formation of energy absorption diagrams. It is shown that by grading the density through the structure, the energy absorption profile of these structures can be manipulated such that a wide range of compression energies can be efficiently absorbed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationActive and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2016
Subtitle of host publicationLas Vegas, Nevada, United States | March 20, 2016
EditorsGyuhae Park
PublisherSociety of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9781510600409
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Apr 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE
PublisherSPIE
Volume9799
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Keywords

  • Cellular structures
  • Elastomers
  • functional grading
  • energy absorption

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