Research on the mechanical properties of lattice structures based on hercules beetle biomimetics

XUE Ziteng; ZHAO Guanghui; GUO Qingcheng; HOU Shaokui

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1001-196X.2025.03.009

Abstract：This study utilizes 6061 aluminum alloy powder as the raw material and systematically investigates the design methodology and mechanical properties of lattice structures based on metal 3D printing technology.A novel lattice structure with biomimetic characteristics and multi-stage compression properties is proposed.At the design level,a hierarchical gradient design strategy is introduced,constructing a new lattice structure(L12)that incorporates curved connecting rods and hierarchical gradients,achieving staged mechanical responses.Through structural optimization,transverse reinforcement rods are added,transforming the damage mode from outward expansion to inward concavity,further enhancing mechanical performance.The optimized lattice structure(LO)exhibits a 29.37%increase in maximum load-bearing capacity and a 28%improvement in specific energy absorption,with only a 3.17%increase in weight.Axial compression tests on single-layer and double-layer lattice structures reveal that the specific energy absorption of the single-layer structure is 46.5%higher than that of the double-layer structure,highlighting the critical impact of interface connection design.Three-point bending experiments demonstrate that the bending load-bearing capacity of horizontally arranged lattice structures is 61.2%higher than that of vertically arranged ones,with reduced damage extent.It proves that bending strength is primarily influenced by the size of transverse support columns.Computed tomography(CT)scanning experiments reveal the four-stage characteristics of damage evolution in the lattice structure:micro-crack initiation,crack propagation,delamination and overall collapse.