Sensitivity Analysis and Influence Evaluation of Progressive Wall Thickness of Honeycomb Structures as Energy Absorber Produced by Additive Technology Multi-Jet Fusion

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of polymeric cell structures for the production of energy absorbers and to focus on the geometric optimization of polymeric cell structures producible by additive technologies to achieve the required deformation characteristics, high material efficiency and the low weight of the resulting absorber. A detailed analysis of different types of cell structures (different lattice structures and honeycombs) and their properties was performed. Honeycombs, which have been further examined in more detail, are best suited for absorbing large amounts of energy and high levels of material efficiency at known load directions. Honeycombs have the potential to absorb large amounts of energy relative to their low weight and their deformation characteristics have a relatively constant course. Honeycombs have the major disadvantage of an initial peak. However, this peak can be removed by appropriately adjusting the geometry of the honeycomb. Thanks to the possibilities that additive technology allows us, honeycombs with progressive wall thickness have been designed and researched. The output of this study is a detailed analysis of the properties and several design recommendations for the design of a honeycomb with a progressive wall thickness to achieve the required properties.