Plastic deformation and energy absorption of lightweight cellular materials

The thesis is to investigate the energy absorption and plastic deformation of the three novel lightweight cellular materials: auxetic materials, origami materials and graded materials. The mechanisms of plastic deformation and the effect of cell geometries and loading conditions on their energy absorption and protective performance are to be explored. Three research methods are to be employed: experiments, finite element simulation and analytical modelling. The research findings are expected to pave the way for engineering applications of lightweight cellular materials as energy absorbers and protective equipment.