Mechanical properties and shape memory behavior of 4D printed functionally graded cellular structures

The properties of functionally graded (FG) cellular structures vary spatially, and the varying properties can meet the requirements of different working environments. In this study, we fabricated FG cellular structures with shape memory effect by 4D printing and evaluated the compressive performance and shape memory behavior of these structures with temperature through experimental analysis and finite element simulations. The results show that the maximum energy absorption gradually decreases but the compressive modulus gradually increases with increasing gradient parameters. Moreover, the finite element simulations also show that the compressive deformation mode of the structure shifts from uniform to non-uniform deformation with increasing gradient parameters. The compressive modulus and compressive strength of 4D printed FG structures decrease with increasing temperature due to the influence of the shape memory polymer, and they exhibit outstanding shape recovery capability under high-temperature stimulus. The proposed 4D printed FG structures with such responsiveness to stimulus shed light on the design of intelligent energy-absorbing devices that meet specific functional requirements.