Impact Resistance and Design of Graded Cellular Cladding

Abstract

One-dimensional impact response of graded cellular rods with monotonously increasing density distribution, which benefits in buffering the impact object in proximal end, is investigated by using shock models and cell-based finite element models. Based on the rigid–plastic hardening (R-PH) idealization, a theoretical model of the shock front propagation behavior in graded cellular rods subjected by impact is developed and solved numerically with a fourth-order Runge–Kutta scheme. Finite element analysis is performed using 2D random Voronoi technique, and the comparisons illustrate that the theoretical predictions and finite element results are in good agreement. The anti-impact responses of graded cellular materials with different gradient parameters are carried out, and it is demonstrated that the design indicators, including support stress, critical length and maximum deceleration of the object, are highly related to the gradient parameters of graded cellular materials. A design strategy for the impact alleviation of graded cellular materials is proposed. Thus, the gradient parameters can be finally determined to meet the requirement of the actual design indicators and it can also offer an optimal critical length for final graded cellular materials.