Modular assembly for multicell structures with designable energy absorption characteristics

Abstract

In this study, a novel modular multicell structure was proposed to achieve tunable energy absorption characteristics. Dovetail grooves and protrusions were designed on square thin-walled tubes as interfaces to realize the modular assembly. The quasi-static compression experimental results showed that single thin-walled tubes made of thermoplastic polyurethanes and short carbon-fiber-reinforced polyamide exhibited high elasticity and high compressive strength, respectively. Due to the different mechanical properties of the two materials, energy absorption performance of modular structures reached different levels with the variation of cell materials. The concept of modular multicell structure provided possibility to customize energy absorbers with desired properties.