Flexible Impact-Resistant Composites with Bioinspired Three-Dimensional Solid–Liquid Lattice Designs

Abstract

The ubiquitous solid−liquid systems in nature usually present an interesting mechanical property, the rate-dependent stiffness, which could be exploited for impact protection in flexible systems. Herein, a typical natural system, the durian peel, has been systematically characterized and studied, showing a solid−liquid dual-phase cellular structure. A bioinspired design of flexible impact-resistant composites is then proposed by combining 3D lattices and shear thickening fluids. The resulting dual-phase composites offer, simultaneously, low moduli (e.g., 71.9 kPa, lower than those of many reported soft composites) under quasi-static conditions and excellent energy absorption (e.g., 425.4 kJ/m 3 , which is close to those of metallic and glass-based lattices) upon dynamic impact. Numerical simulations based on finite element analyses were carried out to understand the enhanced buffering of the developed composites, unveiling a lattice-guided fluid−structure interaction mechanism. Such biomimetic lattice-based flexible impact-resistant composites hold promising potential for the development of next-generation flexible protection systems that can be used in wearable electronics and robotic systems.

Suture Interface Inspired Self-Recovery Architected Structures for Reusable Energy Absorption

“…Mechanical and recovery properties of CIS structure. (a) Ashby map of CIS structures mechanical properties − design pattern (Figure S20, Supporting Information). (b) Application for lander legs.…”

The Mechanical Properties of Functionally Graded Lattice Structures Derived Using Computer-Aided Design for Additive Manufacturing

“…The use of composite materials to improve the mechanical properties of MJ-printed lattice structures is widespread. It was observed that the compressive stress [33], tensile stress [34], impact resistance and energy absorption properties [35,36] of lattice structures fabricated with different composite materials via MJ were significantly strengthened. On the other hand, in addition to the use of composite materials, hybrid designs have also been used in recent years to improve the mechanical properties of these lattice structures [37].…”