Dynamic compressive behavior of Miura-ori metamaterials filled with shear thickening fluid

Abstract

This study firstly explores the dynamic compression behavior and energy absorption characteristics of Miura-ori structures enhanced with shear thickening fluid (STF), highlighting the effects of incorporating non-Newtonian fluids into cellular constructs. Employing a combination of experimental and numerical methods, this research elucidates the superior mechanical properties of STF-enhanced Miura-ori structures compared with their unfilled counterparts, particularly under varying dynamic compression speeds. An extensive parametric analysis assesses the impact of geometric configurations of the Miura-ori (including wall thickness and cell count), STF concentration levels (10%, 20%, and 30%), and compression velocities on the energy dissipation processes. This examination reveals the complementary interaction between the fluid's rheological behavior and the structural mechanics, leading to a notable improvement in energy absorption and average crushing force in STF-filled Miura-ori configurations. These variations are systematically analyzed across different conditions such as wall thickness, number of cells, and STF concentration. The study further contrasts the energy absorption capabilities between STF-filled Miura-ori and honeycomb structures filled with STF. It also compares the performance of STF with other filling materials like water and silicone oil, underscoring the distinct benefits of STF attributable to its shear-thickening properties. These properties markedly enhance energy absorption during the plateau phase and modify the commencement of densification. The findings of this study offer valuable perspectives on the application potential of STF in Miura-ori frameworks for scenarios necessitating elevated energy absorption under dynamic loads.