Theses Doctoral

Optimally Graded Cellular Materials To Mitigate Impact Loading

Gupta, Vijendra

Cellular materials are increasingly utilized for impact protection due to their exceptional energy absorption and resistance to impact forces. Introducing density gradation enhances their performance by optimizing energy dissipation and crashworthiness. This research explores the influence of density gradation in cellular materials subjected to shock and impact loading through a comprehensive integration of analytical, numerical, and experimental methodologies.

An analytical model based on classical shock theory is developed to characterize the dynamic compaction of these materials. Numerical simulations, using cell-based finite element models and Voronoi tessellation, capture deformation at the mesostructural level, while experimental studies leverage high-speed imaging and digital image correlation to analyze their behavior. Advanced resin-based additive manufacturing is employed to fabricate density-graded specimens precisely.

The findings reveal that density gradation significantly affects deformation patterns and impact resistance. Functional gradation allows for tailoring mechanical responses, enabling optimized stress distribution and energy absorption. The study identifies an optimal density gradient configuration that maximizes impact resistance, offering valuable insights for designing high-performance cellular materials across various engineering applications.

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More About This Work

Academic Units
Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics
Thesis Advisors
Kidane, Addis A.
Degree
Ph.D., Columbia University
Published Here
January 22, 2025