Crashworthiness numerical analysis of square hierarchical structure axially varying thickness inspired by origami

A novel square hierarchical structure axially varying thickness (SHSAVT) structure, drawing inspiration from origami, has been introduced. And a systematic numerical analysis has been conducted to assess the crashworthiness of this innovative structure when subjected to axial impacts. The findings of the crashworthiness analysis demonstrate that SHSAVT structures with k values greater than zero exhibit a remarkable capacity for energy absorption (EA) while maintaining the same mass, and they notably reduce the initial peak crushing force (IPCF). Additionally, it was observed that as the hierarchy level increases, the action force experiences less fluctuation, resulting in increased EA, thus enhancing the overall crashworthiness of the structure while reducing IPCF. Moreover, when compared to structures with the same wall thickness, SHSAVT with k values greater than zero demonstrated a substantial 54.46% decrease in maximum IPCF and a significant 112.27% increase in maximum crushing force efficiency (CFE). Furthermore, higher k values correlated with lower IPCF and higher CFE, SHSAVT with k values greater than zero as superior in terms of IPCF and CFE performance.