Emerging sinusoidal structures for energy absorption: Mechanisms, optimizations and applications

Abstract

Lightweight structures with superior energy absorption characteristics play an important role in engineering applications. In recent years, the introduction of sinusoidal patterns has emerged as an effective design solution. These patterns enable tailored stress distribution, optimized load transfer and controlled deformation modes. Such designs significantly enhance the energy absorption efficiency of structural materials. In this paper, we review recent advances in representative sinusoidal structures for energy absorption. The work focuses on development over the past decade. Specifically, structural designs, functional mechanisms, deformation theories, finite element methods and experimental studies with different sinusoidal configurations are reviewed. The structures include tube sections and walls, transversal, longitudinal and bi-directional corrugated panels, honeycomb structures and other specialized forms. Material implementations range from conventional metals and polymers to advanced fiber-reinforced composites. In addition, manufacturing and optimization approaches to sinusoidal structures are discussed, alongside future challenges and prospects. This paper provides reference and inspiration for the design sinusoidal patterns, which holds great potential to the development of energy absorption structures.