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Multi-cell energy-absorbing structures with hollow columns inspired by the beetle elytra

  • Composites & nanocomposites
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Abstract

In this work, we propose a new type of thin-walled energy-absorbed structure with hollow columns that possesses a design inspired by the beetle elytra. The failure mode of the bionic thin-walled structures is firstly discussed by developing a theoretical model. The energy absorption properties of these bio-inspired multi-cell thin-walled structures have been then investigated using nonlinear finite element simulations. The values of the specific energy absorption and the crushing force effectiveness have been evaluated for different structures with parametrized column nested configurations. Dynamic impact simulations of multi-cell tubes with different columns nested modes, wall thickness and impact angles have been performed, and the results discussed.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Nos. xjh012019033 and 3122018D041). The authors would like to thank the Aviation Science Foundation (No. 201647003) and the Key R&D Plan of Shaanxi Province (No. 2018ZDCXL-GY-03-01).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049, Shaanxi, China

    Jianxun Du & Mabao Liu

  2. School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China

    Peng Hao

  3. School of Aeronautic Engineering, Civil Aviation University of China, Tianjin, 300300, China

    Peng Hao

  4. Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS), University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK

    Fabrizio Scarpa

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  1. Jianxun Du
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  2. Peng Hao
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  3. Mabao Liu
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  4. Fabrizio Scarpa
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Correspondence to Fabrizio Scarpa.

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Du, J., Hao, P., Liu, M. et al. Multi-cell energy-absorbing structures with hollow columns inspired by the beetle elytra. J Mater Sci 55, 4279–4291 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-019-04190-4

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