Introducing a new hybrid surface strut-based lattice structure with enhanced energy absorption capacity

The present study aims to assess a new lattice structure with high energy absorption capacity. Lattice structures with surface-based unit cell have higher energy absorption than those with strut-based unit cell. A new lattice structure is presented by adding the strut to the surface-based unit cell which has a higher energy absorption capacity than the lattice structures with surface-based unit cell. First, the high energy absorption capacity of surface-based lattice structures was evaluated by adding the strut. Such analyzes are conducted by providing a numerical model which considers the elasto-plasto-damage properties of materials under tension and compression. Then, a number of experimental samples were made using additive manufacturing and the compression test was performed. The results of finite element analysis were consistent with those of the experimental results. Based on the results, adding strut increased the energy absorption for surface-based lattice structures by about 106%. Finally, the effect of the ratio of geometric parameters of the unit cell on its mechanical behavior was evaluated.