Concepts for enhanced energy absorption using hollow micro-lattices

Abstract We present a basic analysis that establishes the metrics affecting the energy absorbed by multilayer cellular media during irreversible compaction on either a mass or volume basis. The behaviors at low and high impulse levels are distinguished through the energy dissipated in the shock. The overall mass of an energy absorbing system (comprising a cellular medium and a buffer) is minimized by maximizing the non-dimensional dissipation per unit mass parameter for the cellular medium, Λ ≡ U m ρ s / σ Y , where U m is the dissipation per unit mass of the cellular medium, ascertained from the area under the quasi-static compressive stress/strain curve, σ Y the yield strength of the constituent material and ρ s the density of the material used in the medium. Plots of Λ against the non-dimensional stress transmitted through the medium, σ tr / σ Y demonstrate the relative energy absorbing characteristics of foams and prismatic media, such as honeycombs. Comparisons with these benchmark systems are used to demonstrate the superior performance of micro-lattices, especially those with hollow truss members. Numerical calculations demonstrate the relative densities and geometric configurations wherein the lattices offer benefit. Experimental results obtained for a Ni micro-lattice with hollow members not only affirm the benefits, but also demonstrate energy absorption levels substantially exceeding those predicted by analysis. This assessment highlights the new opportunities that tailored micro-lattices provide for unprecedented levels of energy absorption for protection from impulsive loads.