Crashworthiness optimization of bio-inspired hierarchical honeycomb under axial loading

Bio-inspired engineering designs have gained great attention due to their excellent structural and mechanical properties. To study the hierarchical structural characteristics of natural structures, a finite element (FE) model of novel bio-inspired triangular hierarchical honeycomb was presented to investigate its axial energy absorption characteristic using the nonlinear finite element software LS-DYNA. It was found that the specific energy absorption (SEA) of the hierarchical honeycomb was much higher than the traditional hexagonal honeycomb under the same volume. A metamodel-based optimization method, integrating finite element simulation, Kriging metamodel and multi-objective genetic algorithm, was employed to optimize the design of the hierarchical honeycomb. The optimization process aimed to achieve maximum value of specific energy absorption (SEA) and minimum value of peak crushing force. The optimum design of the bionic hierarchical honeycomb was verified against FE simulation results. The optimized bionic hierarchical honeycomb shows excellent energy absorption characteristic and great potential for applications in impact engineering.