Axial compression performance of a bamboo-inspired porous lattice structure

Biomimetic lattice structures are one of the hotspots in current new material/structural technologies, and these lattice structures often have extraordinary mechanical properties. This work proposes a bamboo-inspired porous lattice structure (BPLS) that consists of bamboo-inspired prismatic microstructures (BPMs) and connecting plates. The sample of BPLS is fabricated by 3D printing, and the axial compression characteristic of BPLS is studied through simulation analysis and experiment. The deformation mode of BPLS is very stable that has excellent energy absorption effect. The effects of five geometric parameters on the compression performance of the BPLS are investigated. The deformation modes of its cells are analyzed in-depth to study their compressive behavior, and some meaningful conclusions are obtained. In addition, through reasonable parameter design, the BPLS can realize the novel deformation modes of upper cells contraction, lower cells contraction or the upper and lower cells contraction simultaneously and the middle cells expansion. Their deformation modes are like budding flowers. In summary, the BPLS exhibits extraordinary mechanical properties and deformation modes, and has broad application prospects. •A bamboo-inspired porous lattice structure is presented.•The accuracy of simulation model is verified by compression experiment.•The BPLS has stable deformation mode and excellent energy absorption effect.•Through parameter design, the BPLS can realize novel deformation modes.