Novel lightweight high-energy absorbing auxetic structures guided by topology optimisation

Abstract

This paper aims to develop lightweight high-performance auxetic structures for protective applications such as blast and impact energy absorption. In this study, novel auxetic topologies were computed with an objective of energy absorption maximisation through the topology optimisation method. Analytical design formulations with the consideration of fabrication practicality were derived for the novel auxetic structures; named as the hourglass structure (HGS), braced cross-petal structure (BCPS) and cross-petal structure (CPS). Based on the formulated design parameters, rectangular scaffolds of each structure were designed to investigate bulk mechanical properties and energy absorption under ..