Understanding the impact energy dissipation mechanism of 3D-printed ultra-high performance composites with bioinspired architectures: from fracture mechanics theory to a programmable toughening strategy

Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review

Contributors

  • Enlai Dong - , Southeast University, Nanjing (Author)
  • Siyuan Qiu - , Southeast University, Nanjing (Author)
  • Yu Chen - , Southeast University, Nanjing (Author)
  • Viktor Mechtcherine - , Chair of Construction Materials (Author)
  • Nemkumar Banthia - , University of British Columbia (Author)
  • Yifan Gong - , Southeast University, Nanjing (Author)
  • Qian Lin - , Southeast University, Nanjing (Author)
  • Minglei Ma - (Author)
  • Yamei Zhang - , Southeast University, Nanjing (Author)

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact energy dissipation mechanism of 3D-printed ultra-high performance composites (3DP-UHPC) with bioinspired architectures based on fracture mechanics theory. A biomimetic strategy was employed to design a programmed Bouligand structure within the 3DP-UHPC. The influence of interlayer orientation angles on the mechanical properties was systematically studied, and the dynamic failure mechanisms were analyzed using image processing techniques. The results show that the dynamic damage evolution of the Bouligand-structured 3DP-UHPC proceeds through four distinct stages: densification, crack nucleation, crack growth, and crack penetration. Notably, the structure with a 15° interlayer angle exhibits a 24% to 42% increase in fracture toughness, attributed to the synergistic effects of fiber bridging and crack torsion. Furthermore, a novel energy release model proposed in this study confirms that optimal energy absorption occurs when the energy release contributions from fiber bridging and crack torsion are effectively balanced.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number108297
JournalCement and concrete research
Volume207
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • 3D printed, Bouligand structure, Dynamic damage evolution, Energy dissipation mechanism, Programmed toughening, Ultra-high performance composites