Dynamic mechanical properties of bonded-orthogonal trapezoidal honeycomb aluminum under lateral loading

In order to ensure the safety of nuclear spent fuel transportation casks during transit, shock absorption devices are installed at both ends of the cask. These devices are filled with shock-absorbing materials designed to dissipate energy during drops. For nuclear equipment, ideal shock-absorbing materials exhibit bidirectional or triaxial performance. This study investigates the dynamic mechanical properties of bonded orthogonal trapezoidal honeycomb aluminum (BOTHA), a bidirectional structural material (Y and Z directions have identical cross-sectional shapes；This material boasts a straightforward manufacturing process, cost-effectiveness, and comparable load-bearing performance on both sides, thereby equipping it to better address complex operational conditions.). We subjected three distinct BOTHA materials, differing in cell thickness −to-cell size ratios (0.3/2.5, 0.4/2.5, and 0.5/2.5), various velocity loads (1.66 × 10⁻³/s, 47/s and 290/s) along the Y or Z axis (lateral direction) to determine their deformation and energy absorption characteristics. The energy absorption diagram, derived from experimental results, allows for quick analysis of the deformation and energy absorption of the impact limiter under various operational conditions. Material parameter values were extracted according to the dynamic constitutive law. Through simulation, we further explored the material’s deformation and stress curve characteristics, vividly illustrated by the deformation cloud map. Finally, we assessed the feasibility of using BOTHA as an impact limiter material for nuclear equipment by comparing its shock absorption performance with traditional wood-based filling materials.