Design and numerical simulation on 3D energy absorption structures

As more technology is available to the human, more and quicker research can be done in complex  matters. Finite element method is a big tool for engineers as it saves money and time, that would be  used to manufacture and test prototypes. In this paper, an investigation of three different 3D  designed engineered structures was conducted with the aim to analyse which cell shape performs  better at energy-absorption purposes. Energy-absorption structures are widely used, from  construction, automotive manufacturing or even in the sports industry. The material chosen for the  structures is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), as it is widely used in the Additive Layer  Manufacturing industry and presents the required properties for such a role. To investigate the  properties of each structure, they were numerically simulated with the aid of Solidworks, setting up  a prescribed vertical displacement of 3mm and obtaining the required load. It is found, that the main  consideration should be the elements in the parallel direction of the load, as this absorb most of the  force applied. It is also found how lattice structures with different shapes and angles between their  elements behave differently, how a hexagonal honeycomb structure evenly distributes the forces  and expands when a force is applied, and how a re-entrant hexagonal structure behaves much  differently, by distributing most of the stresses and strains in its middle section, and bending  inwards, showing an auxetic behaviour.