Energy absorption and mechanical properties of bio-inspired porous helical layer structures

• Published in: Composite structures Vol. 372; p. 119584
• Main Authors: Xie, Baocheng, Xie, Xuedong, Yang, Yongqi, Han, Lu, Yan, Farui, Lu, Zikang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.11.2025
• Subjects: Bio-inspired structures; Energy absorption; Finite element simulations; Mechanical properties; Porous helical layer structures; Mechanical properties; Bio-inspired structures; Finite element simulations; Porous helical layer structures; Energy absorption
• ISSN: 0263-8223
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2025.119584

•Three novel bio-inspired porous helical structures were proposed.•Optimal helical angle for energy absorption and mechanical properties are determined.•Comprehensive experimental validation the accuracy of the finite element simulations.•HHHFH structure demonstrated superior energy absorption capability and stable deformation response. Inspired by the mantis shrimp exoskeleton’s remarkable helical layer architecture, this study proposes three novel bio-inspired porous helical layer structures: helical hollow hexagon, helical hollow hexagon filled with hexagon, and helical hollow hexagon filled with circular. Finite element simulations and quasi-static compression experiments were conducted to analyze the influence of helical angles on mechanical properties and energy absorption performance. Results revealed that optimal helical angle configurations significantly enhanced structural performance, with these three structures achieving their best mechanical characteristics at helical angles of 44°, 82°, and 86°, respectively. Compared to the other two structures, the helical hollow hexagon filled with circular structure exhibited the highest energy absorption capability and the most stable deformation response. Experimental validation confirmed the accuracy of the finite element simulations and demonstrated that helical angle optimization promotes uniform load distribution and induces beneficial layer-by-layer stacking effects. These findings provide valuable insights for designing high-performance porous helical layer structures with enhanced energy absorption efficiency for engineering applications.