Topology and Shape Optimization of Energy-Dispersive Cellular Structures
Project Leader(s)
UC Santa Barbara
Cellular structure with a rectangular prismatic configuration found in the stems of the giant bird of paradise. (b) Synthetic polymeric analogs fabricated by 3D printing.
Protection of Army personnel against impacts and distributed impulsive loads from blasts in combat environments requires use of lightweight compressible materials that both dissipate energy during crushing and reduce the pressure level of blast waves to non-lethal levels. The goal of the present program is to identify, develop and assess new paradigms in materials and topological designs that offer potential for high-energy absorption and effective pressure attenuation. Emphasis will be on bio-inspired hierarchical lattice concepts and tensegrity structures.
Date Completed
