Closed-form solution for shock wave propagation in density-graded cellular material under impact

Density-graded cellular materials have tremendous potential in structural applications where impact resistance is required. Cellular materials subjected to high impact loading result in a compaction type deformation, usually modeled using continuum-based shock theory. The resulting governing differential equation of the shock model is nonlinear, and the density gradient further complicates the problem. Earlier studies have employed numerical methods to obtain the solution. In this study, an analytical closed-form solution is proposed to predict the response of density-graded cellular materials subjected to a rigid body impact. Solutions for the velocity of the impinging rigid body mass, energy absorption capacity of the cellular material, and the incident stress are obtained for a single shock propagation. The results obtained are in excellent agreement with the existing numerical solutions found in the literature. The proposed analytical solution can be potentially used for parametric studies and for effectively designing graded structures to mitigate impact. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics.

Automated summary

Density-graded cellular materials have great potential for impact resistance in structural applications. An analytical closed-form solution has been proposed to predict the response of these materials to rigid body impacts, showing excellent agreement with existing numerical solutions. This solution can be used for parametric studies and designing graded structures to mitigate impact.