2D graded tensegrity-inspired metamaterials with hexagonal cells - experimental tests results

The data set contains the results of the experimental tests performed on two-dimensional (2D) additively manufactured tensegrity-inspired lattices composed of a 10x6 array of hexagonal cells. All specimens were fabricated using the ProJet MJP 2500 Plus printer by 3D Systems. The specimens were manufactured from VisiJet M2R-WT resin, which according to the technical data sheet has the following properties: tensile modulus of 2000 MPa, tensile strength of 39 MPa, and extension at break of 20% (values determined according to ASTM D638 standard). The lattices were subjected to uniaxial compression using a universal testing machine INSTRON 5567 equipped with a load cell INSTRON 2525-816 that provides a measurement accuracy of 0.5 N. The tests were carried out under displacement control at a constant rate of 5 mm/min, with the corresponding force recorded directly by the testing machine. The specimens were placed between two grease-lubricated glass plates to ensure in-plane compression, while minimizing friction and allowing free movement of the nodes, so that the soft modes of tensegrity were not blocked by the boundary conditions.

The raw results from seven test series are included, with five specimens tested in each series:

M.hex.1.uni1 - a regular hexagonal lattice without gradations in mechanical properties, tested under a uniformly distributed load applied to the entire upper edge of the structure,

M.hex.1.gra1 - a graded lattice with an intermediate layer constructed from rotated hexagonal cells, tested under a uniformly distributed load applied to the entire upper edge of the structure,

M.hex.1.gra2 - a graded lattice with gradation of two upper layers via the strut thickness (hexagonal cells with thicker struts), tested under a uniformly distributed load applied to the entire upper edge of the structure,

M.hex.1.gra4 - a graded lattice with gradation of two upper layers via the module height (lower hexagonal cells), tested under a uniformly distributed load applied to the entire upper edge of the structure,

M.hex.1.uni1_F - a regular hexagonal lattice without gradations in mechanical properties, tested under a concentrated load applied to two middle upper nodes of the structure,

M.hex.1.gra2_F - a graded lattice with gradation of two upper layers via the strut thickness (hexagonal cells with thicker struts), tested under a concentrated load applied to two middle upper nodes of the structure,

M.hex.1.gra5_F - a graded lattice with centric gradation of two upper layers via the strut thickness (hexagonal cells with thicker struts), tested under a concentrated load applied to two middle upper nodes of the structure.