Tailored compressive properties of origami thin-walled column with multi-corner elements

Abstract

To improve the load stability and energy absorption of the energy absorber, a novel design strategy of the cruciform origami column with multi-corner elements (COC) is proposed. The axial compressive test shows that the COC can effectively tailor the deformation mode based on the creases. The comparisons of compressive properties indicate that the COC has lower initial stiffness and higher load stability than the conventional straight column (CSC) and overcomes the disadvantage of the low energy absorption of typical origami columns. In addition, the mechanical advantages of COC with rib reinforcement are more significant. Specifically, the specific energy absorption of COC with cruciform rib reinforcement (COC-C) can increase by 22.98% compared to the COC without rib reinforcement (COC-W), which both have high load stability. Furthermore, the origami module, dihedral angle and thickness have significant effect on tailored deformation characteristics and compressive indicators of the COC, in which the module and dihedral angle can determine the deformation and the trigger effect, respectively. This study finds that the multi-corner elements origami design can improve the compressive properties of thin-walled structures, providing a new design concept for energy absorbers with controlled deformation and load stability.