3D printed lightweight metastructure with microwave absorption and mechanical resistance. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Dongmeng; Pan, Wenhui; Wang, Tao; Wang, Xian; Gong, Rongzhou
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 225(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Multifunctional metastructure -- Broadband microwave absorption -- Impedance matching -- Enhanced mechanical resistance -- Finite element analysis; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2022.111506
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: This multifunctional metastructure achieves independent manipulation of structural dual-functions. Absorption band broadens due to reactance compensation effect and multiple resonance modes derived by the multi-layer high impedance surface. Compression and flexure resistance can be improved by adjusting specific structural parameters of honeycomb. Abstract: Recently, lightweight multifunctional metastructures have attracted significant attention owing to its advantage of integrating microwave absorption and mechanical resistance. However, these features are typically entangled, and a feasible strategy for independently manipulating the microwave absorption and mechanical resistance is still lacking. Herein, a double high-impedance surface-loaded honeycomb (DHHC) is proposed, based on a theoretical analysis, and fabricated using a 3D printing technique. The impedance and surface current distribution of the DHHC were analyzed and investigated to achieve broadband microwave absorption characteristics. The structural parameters and resistances of the high-impedance surface were investigated and optimized to regulate the absorbing bandwidth and reflectivity intensity. Our experimental results indicated that a 4.25 mm thick DHHC metastructure can achieve a –10 dB absorbing bandwidth at a frequency range of 6.73–18 GHz, as well as a –15 dB absorbing band at 8.42–14.75 GHz. Moreover, the structural parameters of the honeycombs were investigated for the adjustment of stress distributions during the compression and flexural processes. Load-bearing tests indicated that the DHHC possessed a mechanical resistance with an equivalent areal density of 2.32 kg/m 2 . This study provides a promising route for achieving independently manipulated compatibility between microwave absorption and mechanical resistance for practical applications.