A novel cellular structure inspired by White Jade Bodhi: Mechanical behavior and energy absorption performance

Biological cellular structures have developed excellent mechanical properties through natural selection, providing inspiration for the design of protective engineering structures. This study aims to uncover the unique cellular structure of the White Jade Bodhi (WJB) and its intrinsic relationship with mechanical performance. Based on its structural characteristics, a new type of bionic cell structure was designed, and its energy absorption behavior was systematically studied through numerical simulations and experiments. Quasi-static and split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) dynamic compression tests and numerical simulations were conducted to study the mechanical response of the WJB cellular structure. The results reveal that the WJB possesses a unique hierarchical cellular structure consisting of primary elliptical closed-cells and secondary circular open-cells. Its mechanical behavior exhibits significant strain rate sensitivity and superior energy absorption compared to other natural cellular materials. Meanwhile, the specific energy absorption (SEA) of the bio-inspired WJB cellular structure is 936% higher than that of aluminum foam, and 187% higher than that of three-layered hexagonal cellular structure. The improvement in its energy absorption performance is attributed to the crack initiation and propagation mechanism of the circular pores, as well as the alternating bending and progressive collapse mechanism of the cellular walls.