Multiple Performance Evaluation of Bionic Thin‐Walled Structures with Different Cross Sections considering Complex Conditions

Abstract

Bionic thin-walled structures, due to their excellent energy absorbing capacity, low manufacturing cost, and remarkable level of lightweight, have been widely applied in the field of traffic safety protection. Combinatorial structures that incorporate the prototypical characteristics of multiple organisms also turn into the hotspot of the research on safety protection structure, which can achieve more excellent overall performance. However, how to select the optimal alternative considering the performance of different attributes and different accident conditions has become an urgent problem to be solved. This paper proposes 12 kinds of bionic thin-walled energy absorption structures with different cross sections and bamboo of tubes, which is inspired by the structural characteristics of bamboo. A comprehensive performance analysis, including specific energy absorption, peak crushing force, and undulation of the load-carrying capacity under quasi-static and dynamic conditions, is carried out based on the finite element simulation. The gray relational analysis method is applied to select the optimal structure. In addition, sensitivity analysis of each structural variable is conducted. The result shows that the “+-3” bionic thin-walled structure has the best comprehensive performance, and the structural variable has great impact on the PCF. This study provides an effective decision-making support tool for performance evaluation of bionic thin-walled structures.

Literature review on thin-walled and cellular structure designs for energy absorption

“…Notably, 8 out of 14 bionic specimens displayed greater SEA than cylindrical tubes, highlighting the efficacy of bionic design in innovations like bio-inspired aluminium honeycombs. In another study [31] bionic thin-walled energy absorption structures inspired by bamboo's characteristics underwent comprehensive performance analysis. The quasi-static study conducted included specific energy absorption, peak crushing force, and load-carrying capacity behaviour under varying conditions.…”

Multiscale Characterization and Biomimetic Design of Porcupine Quills for Enhanced Mechanical Performance

“…For example, the tube-like structure, known for its excellent mechanical strength and high energy absorption capacity, can be produced cost-effectively [1,2]. These structures, which have evolved over billions of years, offer optimized mechanical and multi-functional properties that are highly desirable across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and military [3][4][5]. Through natural selection, creatures have developed structures with properties like impact resistance, fracture resistance, and lightness, making them ideal for various design applications [6,7].…”