Characteristics of compressive mechanical properties and strengthening mechanism of 3D-printed grid beetle elytron plates

The mechanical properties and the influence mechanism of grid beetle elytron plates (GBEP_n), which were fabricated from an ABS resin material using 3D printing technology, under compression were investigated. Different values of η_c, i.e., ratio of r (centerline radius of the cylinder) to L (length of the basic element), were considered for given yield stress coefficients and matching coefficient. The results revealed that the compressive strength of the GBEP_n was comparable to that of the end-trabecular beetle elytron plate (EBEP), whereas the energy absorption capacity of the GBEP_n was higher than that of the EBEP. When the η_c was increased, the mechanical properties of the GBEP_n exhibited CEEP (compressive strength—elastic stage and energy absorption capacity—plastic stage) characteristics. The basis for the CEEP characteristics and the internal strengthening mechanism were explored. The synergistic effect of the trabeculae and the walls and, hence, the mechanical properties improved with increasing yield stress. The results of the present study will accelerate the application of beetle elytron plates.