Impact response and energy absorption of metallic buffer with entangled wire mesh damper

An innovative metallic buffer consisting of series-connected hat-shaped entangled wire mesh damper (EWMD) and parallel springs are proposed in this work to enhance the reliability of engineering equipment. The impact response and the energy dissipation mechanism of hat-shaped EWMD under different quasi-static compression deformations (2–7 mm) and impact heights (100–200 mm) are investigated using experimental and numerical methods. The results demonstrate distinct stages in the quasi-static mechanical characteristics of hat-shaped EWMD, including stiffness softening, negative stiffness, and stiffness hardening. The loss factor gradually increases with increasing compression deformation before entering the stiffness hardening stage. Under impact loads, the hat-shaped EWMD exhibits optimal impact energy absorption when it enters the negative stiffness stage (150 mm), resulting in the best impact isolation effect of metallic buffer. However, the impact energy absorption significantly decreases when hat-shaped EWMD enters the stiffness hardening stage. Interestingly, quasi-static compression analysis after experiencing different impact loads reveals the disappearance of the negative stiffness phenomenon. Moreover, with increasing impact loads, the stiffness hardening point progressively shifts to an earlier stage.