Biological structures have evolved over millions of years to optimize load-bearing capabilities while minimizing material usage. Inspired by these natural designs, modern engineering has sought to replicate and improve upon them to create efficient, lightweight structures that can bear significant loads. This study focuses on six bio-inspired structural models, including modified transverse honeycombs and rhombic dodecahedrons, designed using additive manufacturing techniques. The aim was to enhance load-bearing and energy absorption properties by adapting natural designs to handle multi-directional forces and reduce material usage. The models were tested through both simulations and physical testing to assess their performance under varying conditions.
The results revealed that these bio-inspired structures outperformed solid blocks of the same material in terms of energy absorption, despite using only about 40% of the material by volume. They also showed comparable load-bearing properties under low-to-moderate forces and demonstrated significant advantages in impact dampening. These findings suggest that bio-inspired designs, created through additive manufacturing, can offer cost-effective and efficient alternatives for load-bearing applications. Future research will focus on further optimization of these structures for high-force scenarios and their scalability for industrial use.