An Efficient Energy Absorbing Structure Inspired by Energy Harvesting Device

Abstract

An auxetic structure, exhibiting Negative Poisson's Ratio (NPR) effect, is different from a conventional structure due to its special properties, including indentation resistance, shear resistance, and sound absorption. The auxetic structure gets expanded when it is stretched, or becomes shrunk when it is compressed. Inspired by authors' previous research on design optimization of energy harvesting device (Piezoelectric Flex Transducer) scavenging biokinetic energy from human walking, a novel NPR structure is further developed, which has demonstrated potential ability to absorb impact energy as well as increase structural strength. The research into this NPR structure provides useful guidance on practical applications in various engineering subjects, particularly in tissue, aerospace, automobile and structural engineering.

Modal and Stress Analysis of Cellular Structures Produced with Additive Manufacturing by Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

“…Also, Yang [26] reported that negative Poisson's ratio material has good ability of energy absorption according to numerical results in its study about structural response of a negative Poisson's ratio structure with regular reentrant cell shape under the rigid wall crushing. Furthermore, Dong [27] mentions about better ability to absorb impact energy as well as increase structural strength makes NPR structures outperform the conventional structures in the various engineering applications when integrated with 3D printing technology.…”