An Efficient Energy Absorbing Structure Inspired by Energy Harvesting Device

Abstract

An auxetic structure, exhibiting Negative Poisson’s Ratio (NPR) effect, is different from a conventional structure due to its special properties, including indentation resistance, shear resistance, and sound absorption. The auxetic structure gets expanded when it is stretched, or becomes shrunk when it is compressed. Inspired by authors’ previous research on design optimization of energy harvesting device (Piezoelectric Flex Transducer) scavenging biokinetic energy from human walking, a novel NPR structure is further developed, which has demonstrated potential ability to absorb impact energy as well as increase structural strength. The research into this NPR structure provides useful guidance on practical applications in various engineering subjects, particularly in tissue, aerospace, automobile and structural engineering.