Energy absorption analysis under in-plane impact of hexachiral honeycomb with different arrangements

This study explores the design and performance of axisymmetric hexachiral honeycombs, utilizing the hexachiral honeycomb framework and axisymmetric design method. Four axisymmetric hexachiral honeycombs with distinct arrangements were developed: left-right symmetry hexachiral honeycomb (LSHH), up-down symmetry hexachiral honeycomb (USHH), central symmetry hexachiral honeycomb (CSHH), and subunits symmetry hexachiral honeycomb (SSHH). The deformation patterns and compression behaviors of these honeycombs were comprehensively examined through experimental and numerical simulations, and comparisons were made with a non-symmetric hexachiral honeycomb (NHH). The results indicate that symmetrically designed honeycombs exhibit a larger mean plateau stress than the asymmetrically designed the NHH during low-velocity impacts. The study further discusses deformation patterns, specific energy absorption, and the negative Poisson's ratio effect across the five honeycombs under different parameters. Notably, symmetrically designed honeycombs demonstrate superior specific energy absorption, and the negative Poisson's ratio effect becomes evident at an impact velocity of 10 m/s. However, the advantages of axisymmetric honeycombs diminish at higher impact velocities of 50 m/s and 100 m/s. The Poisson's ratio effects of symmetric honeycombs weaken with an increase in the circular ligament r of the honeycomb. Additionally, the study identifies that platform stress and SEA increase for honeycombs with horizontal cell numbers greater than 6.