The Effect of Lattice and Honeycomb Structure on the Shock Absorption Capability of Model Crash Barriers

The purpose of the experiment was to create a 3D printed structure for a model crash barrier that would be effective at absorbing impacts. The hypothesis was if the shock absorption capabilities of a crash barrier were tested, then the honeycomb and lattice structures will absorb more newtons of force than the control. To set up the experiment a force plate was placed on the ground and a protective piece of cardboard was placed on top of that. The structures (3D printed and made of flexible filament) were placed on top of the the cardboard and a meter stick was taped to a desk so that from the top of the barrier to the weight it was one meter. The hypothesis was partially supported (F(2,251) = 15.1, p\u3c 0.001) with the lattice having a lower average than the control and being statistically significant . However, even though the honeycomb had a lower average than the control, it was not statistically significant which rejects that part of the hypothesis. From this it can be concluded that the lattice structure helps to absorb impact in a significant way when compared to a control block and a honeycomb structure made of the same material