Koch Hierarchical Honeycomb: A Fractal-Based Design for Enhanced Mechanical Performance and Energy Absorption

Abstract

A novel energy-absorbing structure, the Koch hierarchical honeycomb, which combines the Koch geometry with a conventional honeycomb structure, is proposed in this work. Adopting a hierarchical design concept using Koch has improved the novel structure more than the honeycomb. The mechanical properties of this novel structure under impact loading are studied by finite element simulation and compared with the conventional honeycomb structure. To effectively verify the reliability of the simulation analysis, quasi-static compression experiments were conducted on 3D-printed specimens. The results of the study showed that the first-order Koch hierarchical honeycomb structure increased the specific energy absorption by 27.52% compared to the conventional honeycomb structure. Furthermore, the highest specific energy absorption can be obtained by increasing the hierarchical order to 2. Moreover, the energy absorption of triangular and square hierarchies can be significantly increased. All achievements in this study provide significant guidelines in the reinforcement design of lightweight structures.

Flexural Properties of Additively Manufactured Structures Reinforced with Cellular and Fractal Patterns

“…Khoshhesab et al [ 12 ] examined the interlocking stiffness and deformation mechanism of Koch fractal interlocks, demonstrating optimal levels of fractal iteration with maximum mechanical performance. Zhu et al [ 13 ] studied the energy absorption capabilities of additively manufactured Koch fractal honeycomb structures under out‐of‐plane impact loading, resulting in an increase of specific energy absorption of 27.52% compared to the regular hexagonal honeycomb.…”