Impact Resistance of Graded Cellular Metals Using Cell-Based Finite Element Models

A varying cell-size method based on Voronoi technique is extended to construct 3D graded cellular models. The dynamic behaviors of graded cellular structures with different density gradients are then investigated with finite element code ABAQUS/Explicit. Results show that graded cellular materials have better performance as energy absorbers. Graded cellular structures with large density near the distal end can protect strikers, and those with low density near the distal end can protect structures at the distal end. It is concluded that graded cellular materials with suitable design may have excellent performance in crashworthiness.