Low-velocity single and repeated impact behavior of 3D printed honeycomb cellular panels

Abstract

In this study, low velocity single and repeated impact behaviors of 3D printed curved honeycomb cellular panels that can be used for impact protection are investigated. The energy absorbing capacity of the 3D printed honeycomb curved panels is predicted by evaluating the results. In addition, the changes in the fundamental free vibration frequencies of the panels subjected to impact are examined to have an idea about the presence of the damage. The effect of curvature on the damage mechanisms of 3D printed honeycomb panels is studied by examining the contact force-deformation curves, energy profile diagrams, and SEM images. The experimental results indicate that the radius of curvature of the cellular panels highly affects the impact and free vibration behavior, and the change in the natural frequency due to the impact damage is more considerable for ABS than PLA.