Dynamic characterisation of novel three-dimensional axisymmetric chiral auxetic structure

The study presents an extensive mechanical and computational characterisation of novel cellular metamaterial with axisymmetric chiral structure (ACS) at different strain rates. The Direct Impact Hopkinson Bar (DIHB) testing device was used for impact testing up to 21 m/s striker speed, which was insufficient to reach the shock deformation regime. Thus, using computational simulations to estimate the structure behaviour at high strain rates was necessary. Experimental and computational results showed that all ACS structures exhibit a nominal stress-strain relationship typical for cellular materials. As the loading conditions shifted to a dynamic regime, the micro-inertia effect became increasingly pronounced, leading to a corresponding rise in structure stiffness. The Poisson's ratio in all ACS increases gradually, making them superior to traditional cellular materials, which experience a sudden increase in Poisson's ratio during loading. Additionally, the study found that the structures exhibited a rise in the auxetic effect with an increase in strain rate, highlighting the benefits of axisymmetric structures in high-loading regimes. Overall, the obtained results provide valuable insights into the mechanical properties of ACS under different loading regimes and will contribute to further design improvements and the fabrication of novel ACS metamaterials.