3D printing and numerical analysis are combined to design a new class of architected materials that contain bistable beam elements and exhibit controlled trapping of elastic energy. The proposed energy-absorbing structures are reusable. Moreover, the mechanism of energy absorption stems solely from the structural geometry of the printed beam elements, and is therefore both materials- and loading-rate independent.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201501708/full

To read the published paper in Advanced Materials, please click here. To view the mechanism in action, please view this movie that shows how the energy-absorbing material can protect a fragile object.