Lattice structures under uniaxial impact loads: An experimental study

Innovative additive manufacturing processes open new design opportunities, in the field of periodic cellular shock absorbers. In this work, an experimental campaign on lattice samples has been developed and carried out for intermediate velocities. The geometries used tests are result a sensitivity analysis conducted previous work. As complement to results provided by numerical model analysis, highlighted aspect capital importance: geometry maximizing energy absorption is highly dependent applied strain. Furthermore, local buckling effects, induced primarily at sample’s surfaces contact with support testing machine, induce stiffness decrease specific geometries, thus reducing absorbed energy. This study emphasises importance selection, tailor mechanical responses.