INPR-Connector: Interlocking negative Poisson’s ratio connectors design for deployable energy absorption structures
Wenpeng Xu, Mengyu Zhang, Hao Xu, Menglin Yu, Liuchao Jin, Xiaoya Zhai, Jingchao Jiang
Abstract
Deployable energy absorption structures are widely utilized in aircraft landing gear, seismic support systems, and transport vessels due to their unique designs that significantly improve energy absorption capacity. However, current studies encounter challenges related to insufficient connection strength and suboptimal energy absorption performance. To address these issues, this paper proposed an interlocking negative Poisson’s ratio connector (INPR-Connector) with expansion capabilities and geometric interlocking functions, aimed at enhancing both connectivity and energy absorption. We developed two types of structures: complete structure filling (CSF) and intermediate part filling (IPF), and experimentally validated the superior connection performance and energy absorption capabilities of unit cell-generated structures under various geometric configurations. Moreover, the proposed connection structure was integrated with a rigid plate to create an expandable, bistable origami structure embedded INPR-Connector. When the load is applied, the hinge can store energy through deformation, converting the applied load into tensile forces within the horizontal flexible hinges. This structure can also recover its original shape after multiple cycles of compression, demonstrating excellent load-bearing capacity. Both numerical simulations and physical experiments confirm the effectiveness and feasibility of the designed connection structure within expandable configurations. The results indicate that this structure not only possesses adjustable energy absorption capabilities but also significantly enhances impact resistance.