Integrated design of chiral re-entrant honeycombs with multifunctional mechanical properties

To balance the fundamental contradiction between static and dynamic mechanical properties, a novel multifunctional integrated design of the chiral re-entrant honeycomb (CRH) is proposed by combining chiral support components and re-entrant connection configurations. The static load-bearing and dynamic energy absorption capacities of the proposed honeycomb structures are investigated through in-plane compression simulations. A dispersion dynamics model is established to calculate the band structures and group velocities. The directional vibration transmission responses are compared with the directional band gap characteristics considering modal displacement polarization to verify the effectiveness of the re-entrant connection design in vibration isolation. Furthermore, the effects of the typical geometric parameters and embedded mass blocks on the multifunctional mechanical properties of the CRH are systematically discussed. The results indicate that the static stiffness and ultimate load-bearing capacity of the CRH are enhanced due to the additional reinforcement and alleviated stress concentration driven by the tailored chiral rings. The densification deformation mechanism of the CRH-M under high-velocity compression is disrupted, and thus its energy absorption is dominated by the enhanced inertial effect induced by the embedded mass blocks. The longitudinal waves propagating along the horizontal direction are dissipated by the inclined connection ligaments, generating additional directional band gaps. The dynamic mechanical properties of the CRH can be independently regulated without excessive compromise on its static mechanical properties. Therefore, the excellent load-bearing, energy absorption, and vibration isolation performances of the CRH can be simultaneously achieved. This work provides a feasible solution for the multifunctional integrated design of honeycomb structures.