In this study

the concept of energy absorption and collision avoidance of metal tubes in the transportation field is combined with a spherical reticulated shell structure with excellent vibration absorption and impact resistance in the construction field. New energy absorption structures— reticulated tubes (RT)

equator skeleton spherical reticulated shells (ES)

truss spherical reticulated shells (TR)

and thin-walled sphere with round holes (TSH)

and sphere-filled RTs-are proposed. In order to compare with the traditional energy absorption structure

aluminium alloy thin-walled tubes are also included in the study. The energy absorption characteristics were studied by drop-hammer impact test

the TSH

ES and TR-filled RTs can produce more prominent filling effect than the corresponding aluminium alloy tubes and significantly improve the carrying capacity

energy absorption

crushing forceefficiency

and specific energy absorption. Compared with the filled aluminum alloy tubes

sphere-filled RTs can not only significantly reduce the impact effect

keep the initial impact peak basically unchanged

but also significantly improve the energy absorption per unit mass. Thus

the TSH

ES

and TR-filled RTs can be new types of lightweight structures which can meet the requirements of lightweight

high energy absorption

and low impact effect.