Crashworthiness Design and Geometric Optimization of Triangular Kirigami-Inspired Energy-Absorbing Structures

In this study, the crashworthiness performance of triangular Kirigami (TK) structures with various geometric configurations is systematically investigated. Quasi-static crushing experiments are first conducted to provide reference data for the calibration and validation of the numerical models. Subsequently, extensive finite element (FE) models are developed in LS-DYNA to examine the influence of geometric parameters on the crashworthiness behavior of the proposed structures. Three key geometric parameters, namely the inclined sidewall length, model height, and model length, are used to describe the structural configurations, and their effects are evaluated in terms of energy absorption and specific energy absorption. The results indicate that the sidewall inclination angle, jointly controlled by the inclined sidewall length a and the model height h, plays a critical role in governing crashworthiness performance, and an optimal range of 40° to 60° is recommended. In addition, the model length must be carefully selected, as inappropriate values may lead to inefficient energy absorption and an undesirably high initial peak crushing force.