Design, Manufacturing, and Analysis of Periodic Three-Dimensional Cellular Materials for Energy Absorption Applications: A Critical Review

Abstract

Cellular materials offer industries the ability to close gaps in the material selection design space with properties not otherwise achievable by bulk, monolithic counterparts. Their superior specific strength, stiffness, and energy absorption, as well as their multi-functionality, makes them desirable for a wide range of applications. The objective of this paper is to compile and present a review of the open literature focusing on the energy absorption of periodic three-dimensional cellular materials. The review begins with the methodical cataloging of qualitative and quantitative elements from 100 papers in the available literature and then provides readers with a thorough overview of the state of this research field, discussing areas such as parent material(s), manufacturing methods, cell topologies, cross-section shapes for truss topologies, analysis methods, loading types, and test strain rates. Based on these collected data, areas of great and limited research are identified and future avenues of interest are suggested for the continued maturation and growth of this field, such as the development of a consistent naming and classification system for topologies; the creation of test standards considering additive manufacturing processes; further investigation of non-uniform and non-cylindrical struts on the performance of truss lattices; and further investigation into the performance of lattice materials under the impact of non-flat surfaces and projectiles. Finally, the numerical energy absorption (by mass and by volume) data of 76 papers are presented across multiple property selection charts, highlighting various materials, manufacturing methods, and topology groups. While there are noticeable differences at certain densities, the graphs show that the categorical differences within those groups have large overlap in terms of energy absorption performance and can be referenced to identify areas for further investigation and to help in the preliminary design process by researchers and industry professionals alike.