Progressive fracture analysis of planar lattices and shape-morphing Kagome-structure

Lattice solids are being contemplated for use in prospective lightweight structural applications. Hence, the understanding of their mechanical behavior is essential. In this work, the tensile behavior of the triangular (T), hexagonal (H) and Kagome (K) planar lattices containing notches is explored using FE-based progressive failure analysis. As an elastic-brittle material is assumed for the struts, they fail in rupture. The effects of notch-length and relative density are examined. Computations show a dramatic decrease of both stiffness and strength of the lattices with increasing the notch-length. For the relative density, the opposite effect is ascertained. Fracture patterns are found to depend only on the topology of the lattices. T- and K-lattice show a similar and much stronger behavior than the H-lattice.Using the same numerical method, the bending behavior of the shape-morphing Kagome-structure (KS) is simulated in regard of the different materials used in the members of the structure. Failure analysis of the KS involves progression of yielding and initiation of buckling in the face-sheet and struts. It was found that the bending rigidity of the KS is governed by the stiffness of the material of the face-sheet while the material of the core determines whether yielding or buckling will initiate first.