The Energy Absorption Characteristics and Sound Absorption Behavior of In Situ Integrated Aluminum Lattice Structure Filled Tubes

Abstract

Lattice structures, as integrated structure-function engineering materials, have developed rapidly in industrial fields. In this study, the in situ integrated solid/hollow aluminum lattice structure filled tubes are designed and manufactured by a selective laser melting technique. The effects of structure parameters on compressive properties, energy absorption, and sound absorption are analyzed. The in situ integrated aluminum lattice structure filled tubes with hollow lattice structure and strengthened hollow lattice structure can achieve a wide adjustment of compressive property (31.04–185.64 MPa) and energy absorption density (11.21–51.70 MJ m⁻³) in a narrow density range. The compressive property and energy absorption are superior compared with ex situ aluminum lattice structure filled tubes due to the interaction and metallurgical bonding between the thin-walled tubes and the aluminum lattice structures. The hollow structure design and altering its structure parameters can regulate the sound absorption coefficient and the corresponding peak frequency (the highest absorption peak is 0.723 at 2098 Hz). In addition, the hollow structure design can realize double absorption peaks (0.360 at 1462 Hz and 0.503 at 2122 Hz), presenting the potential for broadband sound absorption. Eventually, superior integrated energy/sound absorption structures can be obtained by the hollow structure design and its corresponding optimization.