Quasi-static Mechanical Properties Research Articles

Experimental study on the quasi-static tensile mechanical response of PTFE from 77 K to 293 K

PTFE’s exceptional low-temperature resistance makes it an ideal material for cryogenic aerospace fuel seals. However, the current understanding of its mechanical behaviors at low temperatures remains limited, posing potential design vulnerabilities. This study investigates the quasi-static mechanical properties of PTFE over a temperature range from 77 K to room temperature, with a particular focus on the effects of temperature and strain rate, which are key variables in sealing applications. The experimental conditions are categorized into ambient temperature (293 K), conventional low temperatures (233 K–293 K), and cryogenic temperatures (77 K–223 K). Testing was conducted at crosshead speeds of 1, 10, and 100 mm/min to evaluate their influence. The results reveal significant phase transition characteristics in PTFE’s low-temperature mechanical properties, with the effects of phase transitions far outweighing those of strain rate, leading to dramatic changes in the stress response, from elasticity through plasticity to fracture. Further analysis indicates that these effects are concentrated around the transition state temperature zone, with slower changes observed at other temperatures. This study highlights the critical importance of considering phase transitions in the low-temperature design of PTFE structures.

Dynamic compressive behavior of functionally graded triply periodic minimal surface meta-structures

Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattice structures have gained considerable attention because of their light weight, high strength, and excellent energy absorption capabilities. However, the effect of the amplitude that can control the topological morphology of a TPMS on the dynamic properties of the TPMS structure is not yet fully understood, as previous studies have focused on the relative density and size as well as their quasi-static mechanical properties. In this study, three types of uniform sheet-based TPMS structures with different amplitudes and three types of functionally graded sheet-based TPMS structures were proposed. Experiments and numerical simulations were conducted under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. Six types of TPMS lattice structures made of 316L stainless steel were manufactured via powder bed fusion. Quasi-static compression tests were performed at a strain rate of 0.001 s⁻¹. The experimental results indicate that increasing the amplitude can increase the elastic modulus, plateau stress, and energy absorption capacity of a structure. Moreover, the functional gradient amplitude structure has a higher energy absorption capacity, and the structures with line and log gradient strategies improved by 17.38% and 35.43%, respectively, compared to the uniform structure with an amplitude of 1. Additionally, an idealized rigid-linear plastic hardening (R-LPH) model was proposed to predict the mechanical response of the structures. The finite element method (FEM) was used to construct dynamic compression numerical models, and their validity was verified through split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) tests at a strain rate of 695 s⁻¹. The mechanical response, deformation modes, and stress enhancement effects of the structures under dynamic compression were systematically studied. The results show that the mechanical performance and energy absorption capacity of the structures under dynamic impact loading increase with increasing strain rate. The critical velocity for the transition from the quasi-static mode to the impact mode increases with amplitude. For strain rates below 6000 s⁻¹, the strain rate effect is the main factor influencing the dynamic stress enhancement. As the strain rate continues to increase, the dynamic stress enhancement results from the combined effects of inertia and strain rate, with inertia effects gradually becoming the dominant factor. This study shows that functional gradient TPMS meta-structures have excellent mechanical and energy absorbing properties under quasi-static compression and dynamic compression, with potential applications in passive safety protection.

Micromechanical models and experiments for diffractive elastic constants of TATB-based polymer-bonded explosives

TATB-based polymer-bonded explosives (PBXs) exhibit intricate internal stress distributions due to crystal anisotropy. When diffraction techniques are employed to measure these internal residual stresses, it is critical to identify the discrepancy between the diffraction elastic constants (DEC) of particular crystal planes of a TATB-based PBX and the macroscopic elastic constant of the PBX. This study introduced various micromechanical models to describe the mechanical behavior of TATB-based PBXs, as well as assessing their accuracy in predicting the elastic properties of the PBXs and calculating the DECs of different crystal planes. Using in situ tensile experiments, this study obtained accurate DECs of the crystal plane of TATB-based PBXs and revised the residual stress measurements of the PBXs. The comparison between experimental results indicates that the two-phase and double-inclusion micromechanical models proposed in this study exhibit higher precision in predicting both the quasi-static mechanical properties of the PBXs and the DECs of the crystal plane. Furthermore, the DECs of the PBXs with high volume fractions of TATB are close to those of pure TATB crystals. Based on the established double-inclusion model, it can be inferred that the DECs of different crystal planes vary as a function of the TATB volume fraction. This study lays the foundation for profound analyses of the mechanical characteristics of TATB-based PBXs using diffraction techniques.

Prediction of quasi-static mechanical properties of flexible porous metal rubber structures in ultra-wide temperature range

Metal rubber, which has the advantages of low density, strong environmental adaptability, and excellent design flexibility, is widely applied in manufacturing industries such as the aerospace, shipping, and automotive industries. Based on the research object of flexible porous metal rubber (FPMR) structures made of high-temperature elastic alloys, this study established a constitutive model for the quasi-static mechanical properties of FPMR structure under ultra-wide temperature range conditions. Firstly, the forming mechanism and the influencing factors of the static stiffness properties of the FPMR micro-structure were analyzed. Then, the theoretical model of the FPMR micro-element spring was established by applying the cylindrical spiral compression spring stiffness theory, and the theoretical model was corrected based on the large deformation theory and numerical analysis methods. A comparative analysis was carried out through the corrected theoretical model and the test results of different test samples. And the results show that the corrected theoretical model can comprehensively reflect the nonlinear quasi-static stiffness characteristics of the FPMR structure in an ultra-wide temperature range. More importantly, by comparison with the prediction models proposed by other scholars, it is proved that the model proposed in this paper has higher prediction accuracy and the goodness of fit R2 is closer to 1, which provides a theoretical basis for the application of metal rubber in flexible support structures under ultra-high temperature environments.

Effects of strain rate and low temperature on dynamic behaviors of additively manufactured CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloys

With the increasing demand for high-performance alloys in extreme environments, there has been an active development of new materials. High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are considered a promising choice due to their exceptional properties. Even though HEAs exhibit remarkable mechanical properties, only a limited number of studies have explored the mechanical properties and microstructures of additively manufactured HEAs under extreme conditions. In this work, the dynamic mechanical properties at high strain rates and different temperatures (i.e., 293 K and 77 K), as well as quasi-static mechanical properties for the CoCrFeMnNi HEAs fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) are investigated. Microstructure observations have demonstrated that the as-printed sample displays a single face-centered cubic (FCC) phase with a columnar dendrite feature. Within dendrites, a large number of dislocations and substructures appear due to the applied high cooling rates during the SLM process. The as-printed sample exhibits a significant strain rate dependence from quasi-static to dynamic loading during deformation. Compared to the quasi-static mechanical properties, the as-printed HEA reveals higher dynamic yield strength (e.g., ∼1081 MPa and ∼1020 MPa along the build and scanning directions under 2800 s−1, respectively), more pronounced strain-hardening behavior, and larger remarkable plasticity under dynamic loading at cryogenic temperatures. When subjected to increasing strain rates ranging from 0.001 s−1 to 3500 s−1 at 293 K, the yield strength of the as-printed HEAs exhibits a notable enhancement, increasing from ∼517 MPa to ∼723 MPa along the BD direction, and from ∼545 MPa to ∼667 MPa along the SD direction. The corresponding variation in the strength of the BD samples is more pronounced than that of the SD samples. The enhancement in strength should be attributed to the differences in the features of grain orientation and dislocation distribution along different build directions, as well as the strain rate dependence. During plastic deformation, the dominant mechanisms of dislocation slips and deformation twins (DTs) are transformed into multi-stage-twin-controlled ones at cryogenic temperatures, which is beneficial to improve the strain hardening rate and plasticity. The present studies provide a deep understanding of the deformation mechanism of HEAs under extreme conditions and help promote the application of HEAs in the future.

Unveiling the quantitative relationship between microstructural features and quasi-static tensile properties in dual-phase titanium alloys based on data-driven neural networks

The quasi-static mechanical properties of α+β dual-phase titanium alloys are susceptible to their microstructural features, presenting a complex, high-dimensional nonlinear relationship, which hinders the rapid development of high-performance materials. In this work, 4065 micro-representative models were virtually constructed with varying volume fractions of α and β phases and characteristic dimensions via high-throughput finite element simulation, incorporating a cohesive zone model to simulate the interfaces between the two phases. Especially, the established representative models were experimentally verified by two groups of real material microstructures, and the results showed that the relative errors were not more than 9.5 % in microstructural characteristics and quasi-static mechanical properties. Afterward, a neural network model was developed to correlate the quasi-static tensile properties with the microstructural features of the dual-phase TC6 titanium alloys, achieving an 88.2 % accuracy in predicting overall mechanical performance. Utilizing the Shaply Additive Explanation method, it was found that the primary α phase's volume fraction and the secondary α phase's width were the most significant microstructural features affecting quasi-static strength. Specifically, the volume fraction of the primary α phase and the width of the secondary α phase negatively affected strength, while the width of the secondary α phase positively influenced plasticity. Notably, the primary α phase's volume fraction had a quadratic curve pattern of influence on plasticity. The intrinsic mechanisms behind these laws were further revealed based on local stress-strain responses and crack propagation analysis. Ultimately, the optimal microstructural features with strength-plasticity balance were identified through the lower threshold method: a secondary α phase width of about 1 μm and a primary α phase volume fraction ranging from 0.1 to 0.2, effectively facilitating microstructure design.

Experimental study on impact performance of seawater sea-sand concrete with recycled aggregates

On islands distant from the mainland, obtaining raw materials for concrete production is often more challenging. To achieve sustainable development in island reef engineering, using discarded marine concrete and coral waste generated during island construction as recycled aggregates are of considerable significance. The preparation of Recycled Coral Aggregate Concrete (RCAC) for island reef engineering thus holds substantial importance. In this study, RCAC and Natural Aggregate Concrete (NAC), both designed with a compressive strength of C60, were prepared. Initially, the fundamental physical properties of the recycled coarse aggregate, such as apparent density, water absorption, and crushing index, were determined. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of the quasi-static mechanical properties of RCAC with varying proportions of recycled coral coarse aggregate (RCCA) was conducted. Furthermore, the impact compression mechanical properties of different RCAC specimens under various strain rates were examined using the Ф100mm Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus. The microstructure and long-term drying shrinkage performance of RCAC were also analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and a drying shrinkage apparatus. The finding indicated that the 28-day compressive strength of RCAC specimens with 100% coarse aggregate replacement reached a maximum of 62.4 MPa. The quasi-static compressive strength of RCAC specimens with 50% and 100% RCCA replacement was only 11.5% and 14.2% lower than that of NAC, respectively. Under impact loading, the dynamic compressive strength of RCAC specimens increased with the strain rate, with peak stress exhibiting an approximately linear relationship with the strain rate. The energy dissipation of RCAC specimens generally occurred in three stages, with the reflected and absorbed energies of the specimens increasing linearly with strain rate. At the same strain rate, the transmitted energy of RCAC specimens was higher than that of NAC specimens. Microstructural analysis revealed that the morphology of recycled coral aggregate is characterized by its porous and rough surface. The interfacial transition zone between the recycled coral aggregate and the cement mortar was relatively dense. Incorporating recycled coarse aggregate significantly affected the drying shrinkage properties of the concrete, with higher contents of RCCA leading to greater drying shrinkage rates.

GRCop-42: Comparison between laser powder bed fusion and laser powder direct energy deposition

This study involves a comparative analysis of additively manufactured GRCop-42 specimens produced using two processes: laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) and laser powder direct energy deposition (LP-DED). The investigation characterizes a range of material attributes, including surface topography, internal defects, microstructural features, quasi-static mechanical properties, and fractographic characteristics. The findings demonstrate that, despite the specimens being fabricated with the same base material, the resulting material properties vary significantly between the two additive manufacturing processes. As such, material properties cannot be presumed to be uniform across different manufacturing methods. Consequently, material characterization must be conducted for individual manufacturing processes based on specific parameters.

Mechanical properties and failure behavior of additively manufactured Al2O3 lattice structures infiltrated with phenol-formaldehyde resin

The lightweight design and load-bearing capacity of underwater vehicles remain perennial focal points. Ceramic lattice structures (CLSs) offer significant weight reduction while maximizing structural strength; however, their inherent brittleness poses a limitation. To optimize the performance of CLSs for underwater vehicle applications, a biomimetic Al2O3/phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin composite structure (APCS) was proposed and fabricated by infiltrating additive-manufactured Al2O3 lattice structures (ALSs) with PF. Comprehensive assessments of the quasi-static mechanical properties were conducted using both experimental and simulation methods. The specific compressive strength and specific energy absorption of the APCSs under quasi-static compressive loading exhibited remarkable improvements, with the maximum values achieved from the body-centered cubic (BCC)/PF structure increasing by ∼15.23 and ∼307.93 times, respectively. In contrast to ALSs, the failure process of APCSs was gradual, with the confining pressure introduced by the PF promoting transverse crack propagation and layer-by-layer failure, thereby strengthening the ceramic lattice. Toughing mechanisms (i.e., crack arrest, crack deflection, and branching) were also observed in the APCSs. Furthermore, the simulation results aligned well with the experimental results, providing an in-depth analysis of internal damage and crack propagation. The improvements introduced by the composite structure in this study provide a reliable approach for obtaining lightweight and strong materials, thereby accelerating the application of ceramic-based materials in underwater vehicles.

Synergistic effect of microfibers and oriented steel fibers on mechanical properties of UHPC

The study introduces a novel approach to enhance the properties of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) through multi-scale synergistic reinforcement using microfibers (0.66 mm) and oriented steel fibers (13 mm). Various aspects were investigated, including rheological properties, fiber orientation, and fiber pull-out characteristics. Besides, quasi-static mechanical properties and dynamic compressive properties of UHPC were tested and the bending failure was monitored by acoustic emission technique. Experimental results showed that microfiber improved mechanical properties of UHPC matrix and enhanced the fiber-matrix interface. Compressive strength, flexural strength, and toughness of specimens were increased by as high as 25 %, 78 %, and 55 %, respectively, when microfiber was mixed with oriented steel fibers. In terms of dynamic impact performance, UHPC exhibited significant strain rate sensitivity, and microfibers blended with oriented steel fibers resulted in complete damage pattern when subjected to impact loading, and dynamic compressive strength and energy absorption increased by 48.5 % and 54.8 %, respectively. Therefore, oriented steel fibers coupled with microfibers provide an effective method to enhance the mechanical performance of UHPC.

High-performance Ni-based superalloy 718 fabricated via arc plasma directed energy deposition: effect of post-deposition heat treatments on microstructure and mechanical properties

Ni-based superalloy 718 fabricated via arc plasma direct energy deposition (IN718 AP-DED) exhibit a limited response to heat treatment due to its coarse primary microstructure and interdendritic segregation, which may prevent its use in high-integrity applications. Thus, dedicated heat treatments for IN718 AP-DED must possess a homogenization temperature as high as possible to significantly dissolve the eutectics and increase the γ′′-former elements in solid-solution. The present work proposed heat treatments for IN718 AP-DED (homogenization – 1050, 1100, 1142, and 1185 °C / 2 h – followed by aging – 718 °C / 8 h, cooling at 56 °C / h, and 621 °C / 8 h). The as-built IN718 AP-DED showed the typical coarse and oriented (cube texture) microstructure with eutectics (Laves and MC-typical carbides) in the interdendritic region, which were significantly dissolved during the homogenization, promoting a high-volume fraction of hardening phase (γ′′ and γ′) and outstanding quasi-static mechanical properties after the aging step. The present work showed that IN718 AP-DED mechanical properties can be optimized through dedicated heat treatments, meeting the ductility and yield strength requirements (room temperature) of AMS 5662. Furthermore, the heat treatments did not alter the grain morphology and texture aspect, inducing a lower Young’s modulus compared to the non-oriented material.

Dynamic compressive properties of UHPC under one-dimensional stress wave: The influence of steel fiber morphology and curing regime

The low matrix strength and insufficient toughness of conventional concrete structures seriously threaten the service performance when subjected to intensive compressive waves. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the impact of steel fiber morphology and curing regime on the dynamic compressive properties of Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) under one-dimensional stress wave. Seeking to improve its impact resistance without changing the mix ratio. Three steel fiber types (straight, wave, hooked) and two curing regimes (steam at 90 °C, dry heat at 180 °C) were selected as experimental variables. Quasi-static mechanical properties of UHPC were initially calibrated, followed by dynamic compressive tests utilizing the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) system. The compressive stress-strain relationships and corresponding dynamic mechanical parameters of six types of UHPC were calculated under five impact velocities (8.5 m/s, 10.8 m/s, 13.1 m/s, 15.2 m/s, 17.3 m/s). Furthermore, the dynamic failure mode and evolutionary process of UHPC under high-speed impact was meticulously captured by a high-speed camera. CT scanning was utilized to observe the crack propagation path and damage patterns under low strain rate. Finally, SEM and EDS testing was conducted to unravel the underlying mechanisms of the curing regime and fiber morphology on the dynamic compressive properties of UHPC. The recalibrated empirical DIFfc model suitable for UHPC under strain rates of 37 s-1 to 212 s-1 was proposed.

In-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction investigation of martensite decomposition in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) processed Ti–6Al–4V

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) processed Ti–6Al–4V components present two substantial challenges: the presence of tensile residual stress and brittleness of the as-fabricated component due to the formation of the martensite (α′) phase. Industrially, post-heat treatment is performed to improve the quasi-static mechanical properties of the Ti–6Al–4V component through martensite (α′) decomposition and residual stress relaxation. However, detailed insights into the martensite decomposition and stress relaxation mechanisms are still lacking. To address this, in-situ high-energy synchrotron x-ray diffraction (HEXRD) was employed to simultaneously track: (I) martensite (α′) decomposition into a mixture of hexagonal α and body-centered cubic β phases, (II) residual stress relaxation process during heating. Rietveld refinement of 2D diffraction patterns recorded over a temperature range spanning from 25 to 1000°C revealed a three-stage evolution in the α′ unit cell parameters. Unit cell parameter analysis combined with the phase fraction analysis based on the diffraction patterns and the chemical composition profiles predicted by Thermocalc simulation gave detailed insight into the martensite (α′) decomposition process. In Stage 1 (until 375°C), the α′ phase unit cell exhibited linear expansion without indications of any phase transformation or stress relaxation. Upon commencement of stage II at 375°C, an increased expansion rate of the martensite (α′) unit cell was observed, attributed to the enhanced outward diffusion of vanadium (V), succeeded by β phase nucleation at 575°C. Simultaneously, during stage II, residual stress relaxation was observed at both macro and micro scale, culminating in a stress-free state achieved at approximately 750–800°C. Lastly, α-to-β phase transformation was observed in stage 3. The thermal evolution of the hexagonal unit cell dimensions was compared between martensitic and mill-annealed α+β microstructures. This comparison unraveled the link between the initial microstructure and the thermal expansion behavior of the hexagonal α′ and α phase.

Mesoscopic mechanical study on quasi-static compression of coral aggregate seawater concrete after high temperature exposure

Coral aggregate seawater concrete (CASC) is a pioneering concrete made by blending and curing coral reefs, coral sands, cement, mineral admixtures, chemical additives, and seawater. The investigation of its mechanical properties is important for both theoretical and engineering purposes. This paper aims to investigate the quasi-static mechanical properties of CASC after exposure to high temperatures using a combined approach of experiments and numerical simulations. The simulation uses LS-DYNA software and a three-dimensional random aggregate mesoscopic model to analyze the process of concrete damage and crack propagation. Various mechanical parameters such as peak stress, peak strain, and compressive strength after exposure to different temperatures are calculated. The simulation results show that under quasi-static uniaxial compressive loading, microcracks initiate within the mortar and interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of CASC. These cracks then propagate through the coarse aggregates, leading to aggregate failure and the disintegration of the concrete structure. The macroscopic damage traits of CASC specimens reveal concentrated damage in the central region. As the temperature increases during heat treatment, the severity of damage to CASC specimens also increases. However, as the strength grade increases, the damage condition of CASC tends to improve.

Strain rate dependence of 3D printed continuous fiber reinforced composites

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), one of the most popular additive manufacturing technologies in polymer 3D printing, has been increasingly used in fabricating continuous fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs) in recent years. Intensive research has been conducted on the quasi-static mechanical properties of FDM made CFRCs and the corresponding failure mechanisms. However, limited research has been reported on the dynamic mechanical behavior of CFRCs fabricated using FDM. This paper presents a comprehensive experimental study to understand the deformation and load carrying capacity of FDM-fabricated continuous fiber reinforced Onyx (CFRO), with a focus on the dynamic tensile loadings up to strain rate of 100/s. The deformation and failure mechanisms of FDM-fabricated CFROs under dynamic loadings have been identified after microstructural analyses of fractured specimens. The effects of fiber type, fiber volume fraction, and strain rate on the tensile behavior have been revealed for Onyx reinforced by carbon fiber filaments (CFF), glass fiber filaments (GFF), and Kevlar fiber filaments (KFF). Empirical formulas have also been derived to describe the relationships between the elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and fiber volume fraction. The results demonstrate that increasing the strain rate from 6.7 × 10−4/s to 100/s substantially enhances the UTS of all three types of printed CFRO.

Nacre-like block lattice metamaterials with targeted phononic band gap and mechanical properties

The extraordinary quasi-static mechanical properties of nacre-like composite metamaterials, such as high specific strength, stiffness, and toughness, are due to the periodic arrangement of two distinct phases in a “brick and mortar” structure. It is also theorized that the hierarchical periodic structure of nacre structures can provide wider band gaps at different frequency scales. However, the function of hierarchy in the dynamic behavior of metamaterials is largely unknown, and most current investigations are focused on a single objective and specialized applications. Nature, on the other hand, appears to develop systems that represent a trade-off between multiple objectives, such as stiffness, fatigue resistance, and wave attenuation. Given the wide range of design options available to these systems, a multidisciplinary strategy combining diverse objectives may be a useful opportunity provided by bioinspired artificial systems. This paper describes a class of hierarchically-architected block lattice metamaterials with simultaneous wave filtering and enhanced mechanical properties, using deep learning based on artificial neural networks (ANN), to overcome the shortcomings of traditional design methods for forward prediction, parameter design, and topology design of block lattice metamaterial. Our approach uses ANN to efficiently describe the complicated interactions between nacre geometry and its attributes, and then use the Bayesian optimization technique to determine the optimal geometry constants that match the given fitness requirements. We numerically demonstrate that complete band gaps, that is attributed to the coupling effects of local resonances and Bragg scattering, exist. The coupling effects are naturally influenced by the topological arrangements of the continuous structures and the mechanical characteristics of the component phases. We also demonstrate how we can tune the frequency of the complete band gap by modifying the geometrical configurations and volume fraction distribution of the metamaterials. This research contributes to the development of mechanically robust block lattice metamaterials and lenses capable of controlling acoustic and elastic waves in hostile settings.

Wire Based Directed Energy Deposition of JBK-75

Applications and adoption of metal additive manufacturing (AM) are increasing for fabrication of low volume, complex components with novel materials, as well as replacement parts. While the use of powder bed fusion-based processes have been widely used to build complex components with fine feature resolution, there is a volume limitation. Expanding the application of metal AM will rely on other processes that remove this build size constraint. These processes are referred to as Directed Energy Deposition (DED) and can use either powder or wire feedstock. Wire based DED provides the highest deposition rates which shortens the fabrication time making it attractive for fabrication of large parts replacing traditional wrought billets or castings. In this study, an iron-based austenitic superalloy (JBK-75) was deposited using an arc-based, wire-fed (AW)-DED process. The material was metallographically characterized and quasi-static mechanical properties were obtained. The resulting microstructure and mechanical properties are compared with conventional wrought and cast forms of JBK-75 subjected to the same heat treatments. As compared to wrought material, the AW-DED grain size was larger after the heat treatment, although the strengths were similar. Improved homogenization was observed after heat treatment in the AW-DED specimens as compared to the cast specimens.

Rate-dependent behaviour of additively manufactured topology optimised lattice structures

Lattice structures offer a wide range of tuneable qualities that cannot be achieved with bulk materials. While lattice structures offer a range of tuneable qualities, including isotropic properties achievable in bulk materials, the advent of additive manufacturing (AM) advances research in this domain. Although several studies have characterized the quasi-static mechanical properties of lattice structures, there is limited experimental data available on their rate-dependent behaviour. Additionally, most lattice structures are anisotropic, making them unsuitable for applications where loading directions are unknown. In this study, a topology-optimised unit cell with nearly perfect isotropic stiffness is investigated for its isotropic specific energy absorption under high strain rates. The dynamic response of the structure is evaluated using 3 different materials: CPTi, AlSi10Mg, and 316LSS, and both experimental and numerical methods are employed. The influence of topology and relative density on the mechanical properties of the structure are explored, and the specific energy absorption isotropy is determined by loading the lattices in various orientations numerically. This research fills the gap in knowledge regarding the rate-dependent behaviour of lattice structures and offers insight into the potential for isotropic lattice structures in engineering applications.

Influence of Structural and Morphological Variations in Orthogonal Trapezoidal Aluminum Honeycomb on Quasi-Static Mechanical Properties

Influence of Structural and Morphological Variations in Orthogonal Trapezoidal Aluminum Honeycomb on Quasi-Static Mechanical Properties

Achieving synchronous compression-shear loading on SHPB by utilizing mechanical metamaterial

Materials in service often experience complex stress states, such as a combination of shear and compression or tension. Therefore, it is crucial to experimentally measure the mechanical responses of materials under complex stress states before designing structures, as these responses differ from those under uniaxial loading. However, conducting combined loading experiments, especially under dynamic impact, is challenging and usually requires complex and costly equipment. In the present work, by employing compression-torsion coupling metamaterials, an easy method is proposed for the first time to achieve synchronous dynamic compression-shear loading on 1D Split Hopkinson Pression Bar (SHPB), which is also feasible for quasi-static experiments on universal material testing machine. The compression-torsion coupling metamaterial can convert a compression wave into combined waves of compression and torsion, and ensures the two waves naturally synchronously act on the thin-walled cylinder specimen. Since the compression-shear dynamic loading experiment can be performed on a traditional 1-D SHPB, it is a cost-effective, convenient, and easily implementable method. Both the dynamic and quasi-static mechanical properties of 1060 Al were measured under various shear-compression ratios, and a well von-Mises yield surface was obtained with strain rate insensitivity, confirming the validity of the proposed experimental methods.