Parametric analysis on axial compression performance of bio-inspired porous lattice structures

The porous lattice structures (PLSs) have the advantages of excellent mechanical properties and light weight. Inspired by the structural shape of lotus root, this work proposes four lotus root-shaped bio-inspired PLSs (BPSs), which are triangular BPS (TBPS), quadrangular BPS (QBPS), pentagonal BPS (PBPS) and hexagonal BPS (HBPS). The axial compression properties of these BPSs are investigated. All of these four structures have uniform structural stiffness and excellent energy absorption properties. They exhibit stable deformation modes of X-shape and single-headed axe. In addition, the effects of geometric parameters and cell arrangements on the compression performance of these BPSs are investigated. The BPSs with different geometric parameters show various deformation modes such as single-headed axe, double-headed axe, sun and turtle shapes. The BPSs with different cell arrangements exhibit rich deformation modes such as crescent, dart, X and V shapes. Their cells show the deformation modes of axial crushing and bending, and the axial crushing deformation mode is more conducive to obtaining stable compression performance. Furthermore, the sample of QBPS is manufactured through 3D printing, and the compression experiment is performed to verify the simulation model. These results show that the BPSs are excellent energy-absorbing structures that have wide application prospects.