Origami-inspired metamaterials with switchable energy absorption based on bifurcated motions of a Tachi-Miura polyhedron

Abstract

This study involved the design of energy absorbing structures that have precisely tailored performances based on the differences between the bifurcated motions of a Tachi-Miura polyhedron (TMP) with flat-foldable and load-bearing motions. The tailored performance is explored with finite element analysis and experiments using test pieces fabricated via additive manufacturing. Significant differences are observed between the force responses of TMPs with flat-foldable and load-bearing motions. Moreover, no initial peaks of force responses and plateau forces are observed in the long-stroke range by breaking load-bearing motions. In other words, the TMPs exhibit suitable properties for energy absorption. In addition, the force responses against dynamic loading are measured by projecting an impactor with a mass of over 100 kg, where the TMP with load-bearing motion completely absorbs high-impact energy. In conclusion, these findings enable the design of energy absorption structures that can be tailored to handle several types of collision scenarios over a wide energy range.

Keywords

• Energy absorption
• Mechanical metamaterial