Mechanisms of Energy Absorption during High Rate Loading of Cellular Lattice Structures

A series of experiments at high strain rates have been conducted to study the deformation of lattice structures formed by additive manufacture. Gas gun plate impact experiments have been used to produce the desired conditions, and the transmitted wave profile analysed for information on the lattice compression and deformation. Additional pre-and post-experiment imagery of the lattice has also been gathered. These experiments have been supported by a series of calculations to offer comparisons to experimental data and to assist in the design and optimisation of new structures. Of particular interest are the variations seen at high (106) strain rates, where severe hydrodynamic flow appears to become significant. This may have implications for the design of open cell structures which are expected to experience high rate conditions.