Enhanced tensile performance and energy absorption in elliptic-profile re-entrant honeycombs
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study introduces a novel elliptic-profile re-entrant honeycomb (ERH) structure designed to address the limitations of traditional auxetic designs in tensile performance and energy absorption. The ERH panel incorporates smoothly varying curvature to reduce stress concentrations and promote uniform deformation under tensile loading. A two-dimensional equivalent model (2D-EKM), developed using the variational asymptotic method, accurately predicts the panel’s elastic behavior and is validated against experimental data from uniaxial tensile tests on 3D-printed specimens, as well as high-fidelity finite element simulations. Results show that the ERH design enables a gradual transition from bending- to stretching-dominated deformation, enhancing stiffness while maintaining auxeticity. As a result, the ERH panel achieves a 64% higher elastic modulus, 73% greater tensile energy absorption, and 83% improvement in specific energy absorption compared to arc-shaped counterparts. Parametric analyses further identify optimal geometric configurations—specifically, a major-to-minor axis ratio of 1.9, a cellular aspect ratio of 1.0, and a slenderness ratio of 1.5—as key to maximizing mechanical efficiency. This study proposes a structurally innovative ERH design that not only enhances mechanical and energy absorption properties but also offers promising applications in impact mitigation and multifunctional lightweight structures.
Authors: Yuxin Tang, Poh Leong Hien, Zhong Yifeng, Liu Rong
Institutions: Chongqing University, National University of Singapore
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,740
Award: G5900179459
OpenAlex ID: W4413274176