The research focuses on the analysis of energy absorption in cellular solids, investigating their performance under both static and dynamic conditions, and spanning a wide range of loading rates, from slow regimes to high-speed impacts. In recent years, this field has experienced significant advancements driven by the development and subsequent establishment of additive manufacturing technologies. These techniques unlocked new possibilities for the design of complex and intricated structures. The study encompasses both stochastic or random configurations and highly engineered periodic architectures, such as truss-based, also known as lattice structures, Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS), and auxetic geometries characterised by a negative Poisson’s ratio.
These materials are distinguished by their exceptional versatility, attributed to their high stiffness-to-weight ratio, tunable thermal conductivity, excellent magnetic permeability, low moisture retention, and sound dampening. Consequently, cellular solids are ideal for numerous high-performance applications. For instance, they are extensively used in the aerospace and aeronautical sectors, in the production of protective equipment such as helmets, and in sandwich panels as core materials. Furthermore, they hold significant promise in tissue engineering, offering innovative solutions for regenerative medicine.
The automotive industry also benefits greatly from these lightweight materials, as they contribute to passenger safety and comfort while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, understanding and optimising the energy absorption properties of various cellular solid configurations is essential to enhance overall structural performance in critical applications.
