Axial compression property of a novel dendritic lattice structure

Lattice structures play a crucial role in energy absorption due to their lightweight nature, high energy absorption efficiency, and favorable mechanical properties. This work, inspired by tree branches in nature, introduces a novel dendritic lattice structure (NDLS) comprising interconnected branches and dendritic cytosolic elements. NDLS samples, made from nylon 11, were fabricated using selective laser sintering (SLS). The axial energy absorption characteristics of NDLS were examined through quasi-static compression simulations and experiments. The results reveal that NDLS exhibits a distinctive deformation pattern, characterized by collapse radiating from the outer layers to the center, along with superior energy absorption capabilities . Additionally, the effects of four parameters—branch diameter, branch length, dendritic connecting branch length, and the number of dendritic cytosolic layers—on the energy absorption efficiency, deformation behavior , and axial compression stability of NDLS were explored. The parametric analysis showed that increasing the branch diameter D , decreasing the connecting branch length S , and increasing the number of dendritic cytosolic layer P enhanced the energy absorption efficiency. Specifically, the specific energy absorption ( SEA ) of NDLS-D2.5, NDLS-B2.8, and NDLS-P7 improved by 33.45 %, 26.32 %, and 14.25 %, respectively, compared to the reference NDLS. Furthermore, an optimized parameter design can induce either a top-down or bottom-up axial collapse deformation pattern in NDLS. In conclusion, NDLS demonstrates exceptional energy-absorbing properties and stable deformation modes , making it a promising candidate for the design of advanced energy-absorbing structures.