Click on either of the following images to see an animation.

The first structure is a regular lattice of breakable links, while next one, which successfully repels the projectile, consists of the same mass of links that are “bistable” meaning that they have a first breaking point followed by a backup link recovery, which allows damage to be better spread through the structure rather than being focused at the impact point.  By encouraging damage diffusion, the failure is no longer exclusively at the point of impact, as seen below by the red partially damaged bistable links.

For more information, contact the lead investigator, Dr. Seubpong Leelavanichkul at the University of Utah’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.