Tailoring directional energy dissipation in zigzag-based origami metamaterials via strategic geometric gradients

Origami-inspired metamaterials, known for their programmable deformation modes and outstanding tessellation properties, have emerged as promising candidates for advanced impact mitigation. Here, we propose a strategy that integrates kirigami techniques with geometric gradients to enhance directional energy dissipation. By incorporating kirigami cuts into the classical Miura-ori metamaterial, we improve stress distribution uniformity. Additionally, strategic geometric gradients facilitate controllable, layer-by-layer collapse. Our findings demonstrate that this dual strategy enhances the structural energy-dissipation capacity in both crease-dominated and panel-dominated deformation directions. Parametric sensitivity analysis further reveals the interdependence between gradient designs and energy absorption performance, providing refined design guidelines for origami metamaterials with diverse collapse mechanisms. Compared to the conventional Miura-ori metamaterial of equivalent relative density, the strategic hybrid-gradient design significantly increases specific energy absorption while simultaneously reducing initial peak forces in different loading directions. We anticipate that these findings could extend to protective systems with unconventional shapes, opening new avenues for engineering adaptive, lightweight protective structures.