Numerical analysis of the mechanical behavior and energy absorption of a novel P-lattice

A novel P-lattice was proposed to meet the engineering needs of combined high specific stiffness, specific strength and superior energy absorption characteristic. The effective elastic properties and plastic strength of the novel P-lattice were adequately investigated through numerical simulation. Results indicated that more superior mechanical properties could be obtained in the proposed novel P-lattice when compared with those of the traditional lattices. Besides, the quasi-static energy absorption of the novel P-lattice was also studied and compared with the competing topologies. A higher energy absorption characteristic was obtained in the proposed novel P-lattice for the reason that three different deformation features, i.e. compression deformation, bending deformation and torsional deformation, existed in the P-lattice under loading.