Crashworthiness analysis and parametric investigation on kirigami corrugated structures

Abstract

The crashworthiness analysis of a novel kirigami corrugated (KC) units with various geometric configurations is carried out in this work. Quasi-static crushing tests of KC units with eight geometric configurations are firstly conducted to demonstrate the influences of geometric parameters on the crashworthiness and the results are also used for numerical model calibration. Extensive numerical investigations are then carried out and the influence of geometric configurations on their crashworthiness is investigated. Four governing parameters of KC units including the sidewall length, unit height, top face width and the unit length, are used to describe the geometric configuration of KC units and their influences on the crashworthiness of KC unit are analysed and compared in term of the key evaluating parameters such as energy absorption, specific energy absorption, and a dimensionless parameter. It is found that the KC units show significantly improved crashworthiness than the conventional corrugated unit of the same configuration by at least 3 times in SEA. Sidewall inclining angle, which is determined by both the sidewall length and unit height, strongly influences the crashworthiness of the structure and should be ranged between 50° and 55°to achieve the optimal performance. The top face width and the unit length shall be carefully determined, as choosing inappropriate values of these parameters may result in inefficient energy absorption, induce higher initial peak stress as well as fabrication issues.