An arch bridge-inspired separable and reusable progressive energy absorption system via squash-friction strategy

Abstract

Energy-absorbing structures have been a focal point of research across a range of application potentials, including vehicles, aerospace, sports protective equipment, and commodity packaging, where impact mitigation is of great importance. Conventional energy absorption systems are typically monolithic and designed for disposable scenarios, which results in a waste of materials and an increase in costs. This study proposes a novel arch bridge-inspired separable and reusable progressive energy-absorbing system, which is composed of two staggered trapezoidal embedded complementary structures. By combining this structural design with hyperelastic materials, the system can efficiently absorb and release energy under cyclic extreme loadings. The implementation of a squash-friction strategy enables the structural system to achieve progressive energy absorption during single compression cycles. Furthermore, the hyperelastic parent material leads to an autonomous rebound of the structure after loading, facilitating the inspection, repair, or replacement of individual components, thereby significantly extending the service life of the system. Experimental results demonstrate that the energy absorption capacity of the system remains stable after multiple cycles of compressive loading, indicating its excellent reusability and economic benefits. This study presents a novel energy absorption solution with a wide range of potential applications in the engineering field.