Energy absorption of Kresling pattern thin-walled structures with pre-folded patterns and graded stiffness

Abstract

Traditional thin-walled structures are widely employed in several energy-absorbing engineering fields, and origami patterns inspire novel structures with unique functionalities in this area. In this study, we explore energy-absorbing effects of origami-inspired thin-walled structures from perspective of the predicted stability of the Kresling origami. Our research utilizes finite element analysis and experimental validation to evaluate and contrast the energy-absorbing effects of the Kresling origami-inspired thin-walled structures (KOI-TWSs) with a traditional hexagonal thin-walled structure (HTWS). The results indicate that introducing the Kresling origami pattern into the thin-walled structure to obtain geometric defects (pre-folded pattern) and graded stiffness, and their effects are reflected in improving the buckling deformation stability or reducing the initial peak force. These effects depend on the predicted stability of the Kresling origami and are intuitively reflected in the geometric parameters. On the other hand, the reusability of materials is worth considering for improving the energy absorption of the thin-walled structures. These works provide new contents and perspectives for the KOI-TWSs.