Investigations on the quasi-static/dynamic mechanical properties of 3D printed random honeycombs under in-plane compression

The aim of this study was to reveal the effects of inertia and base material strain rate on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed random honeycombs. First, random honeycombs were established with various meso-structural parameters based on the Voronoi technique and then manufactured by 3D printing. Quasi-static compression tests were performed using a universal test machine. The results indicated that the random honeycombs exhibited a more uniform deformation mode which led to a gentle stress–strain curve when compared with the regular honeycombs. Furthermore, the strain rate effect of the base material was determined by Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) tests. Finite element models considering the base material strain rate were verified by the quasi-static compression and drop weight impact tests. Dynamic simulations were carried out to determine the critical velocity between the deformation mode and clarify its mechanisms. The second critical velocities increase as the cell size and cell wall thickness increased or as the strain rate effect of the base material is considered. The effects of inertia and base material strain rate on the mechanical properties were discussed. The dynamic stress enhancement is dominated by the strain rate effect of the base material and the inertia effect in the random and shock modes, respectively. Finally, an empirical model that includes the inertia effect and strain rate effect of the base material was proposed based on the 1D shock wave theory and the Johnson–Cook material model.