Dynamic behaviour of functionally graded lattice structures with short carbon fibre reinforcement
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Jameekornkul, Piyapat
Panesar, Ajit
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Lattice structures are being increasingly explored due to advances in additive manufacturing (AM). However, their adoption in impact applications is hindered by an insufficient understanding of their dynamic behaviour, particularly for composite and functionally graded (FG) lattices. This study presents the first systematic investigation that concurrently evaluates multiple design parameters, including cell topology, grading strategy, fibre reinforcement, and loading conditions, on the dynamic response of AM lattices. Lattice specimens made from nylon and carbon fibre-reinforced nylon were tested under intermediate strain rates ranging from 22 to 79 s⁻¹ using drop-weight impact. The results indicate that both stretching-dominated and bending-dominated architectures retained their characteristic failure modes across the tested strain rates, with the latter exhibiting greater strain rate sensitivity. FG lattices outperform their ungraded counterparts in energy absorption by at least 15.2%, with fibre reinforcement providing an additional enhancement of up to 37.5%. The experimental results align well with the Cowper–Symonds model and highlight the combined influence of material and lattice design on rate-dependent performance. The findings and insights gathered pave the way for designing high-performance AM lattices for energy absorption applications.
Date Issued
2026-02-01
Date Acceptance
2025-09-02
Citation
International Journal of Impact Engineering, 2026, 208
ISSN
0734-743X
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
International Journal of Impact Engineering
Volume
208
Copyright Statement
© 2025 Published by Elsevier Ltd
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
105525
Date Publish Online
2025-09-04