Design and mechanical performance analysis of a novel bionic lattice structure

Lattice structures find extensive application in various domains, including medical, aerospace, and automotive industries, owing to their remarkable energy absorption capabilities and lightweight properties. The purpose of this study is to design a novel lattice structure that enhances the mechanical properties of lattice structures under axial compressive loads by drawing inspiration from biological structures in nature that exhibit excellent mechanical performance. The hierarchical fractal structure of the Victoria amazonica veins provides it with superior axial load-bearing capacity. Based on the conceptual representation of the Victoria amazonica veins, a new fractal strategy is proposed, leading to the design of a novel hierarchical truss lattice structure. Through quasistatic compression tests, the deformation modes and energy absorption capabilities of 316 L hierarchical truss lattice structures were studied, and validating the accuracy of the numerical model. Subsequently, numerical simulation methods were used to study the crashworthiness of the lattice structures, and the influence of different geometric parameters of the hierarchical truss lattice structure on its energy absorption performance was explored. Among these parameters, the unit cell size has a significant effect on the energy absorption performance during the deformation process. The results indicate that the third-order hierarchical body-centered cubic (THBCC) structure has the highest SEA value of 10.92 J/g when the unit cell size parameter N = 6. Additionally, the interaction between the rods in the hierarchical truss lattice structure plays an important role in its energy absorption performance through the deformation process. The results indicate that the core rods have a greater influence on the energy absorption behavior than the inner and outer rods. Consequently, this study offers an innovative approach for designing lattice structure with superior energy absorption capabilities.