Finite-deformation fracture of truss architected networks under impact loading

  • Kota, Sai Kubair (TU Delft)
  • Kumar, Sid (TU Delft)
  • Giovanardi, Bianca (TU Delft)

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Architected materials composed of interconnected filamentary networks derive their mechanical response from a complex interplay between topology, geometry, and constituent behavior. While their elastic properties are relatively well understood, the role of network topology in governing large-deformation fracture and dynamic failure is less well characterized. We present a scalable computational framework for simulating finite-deformation fracture and impact response in three-dimensional truss architected materials. Individual struts are modeled explicitly using a geometrically exact Kirchhoff beam formulation, while network connectivity is enforced through rigid kinematic joint constraints. Fracture is captured via a stress-resultant cohesive zone model acting at inter-element interfaces, enabling the representation of tensile- and bending-dominated failure modes at the filament level. A discontinuous Galerkin discretization provides a robust treatment of evolving discontinuities and post-fracture separation. The framework is applied to architected lattices with different unit-cell topologies subjected to projectile impact. Large-scale parallel simulations, involving up to billions of degrees of freedom, demonstrate excellent scalability and enable high-resolution analysis of impact-induced damage and fracture propagation. The results reveal topology-dependent transitions between projectile capture, rebound, and perforation, arising from differences in deformation modes, load redistribution, and energy transfer within the lattice.