Additively-manufactured node-reinforced plate lattices with superior energy absorption

This study proposes a novel node-reinforced plate lattice (NRPL) by introducing the variable-thickness design into the nodes of the simple cubic (SC) plate lattice. The NRPL specimens are fabricated via laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) using stainless steel 316 L powders. Compression experiments and numerical simulations are employed to investigate the mechanical responses and deformation mechanisms of the NRPL. The results reveal that the NRPL exhibits significantly enhanced energy absorption (EA), reduced initial peak stress and smooth stress fluctuations. In comparison to the SC plate lattice, the NRPL shows an increase in specific EA (SEA) and crash load efficiency (CLE) by 35.7% and 58.4%, respectively. Additionally, the NRPL exhibits excellent EA performance compared with most existing lattice structures. The NRPL proposed in this study holds promise as an ideal cushioning and energy-absorbing material, providing valuable insights for engineering applications in buffering and EA.