Experimental and numerical investigation of Möbius ring structures for enhanced energy absorption and crushing efficiency

In the field of energy absorption, achieving high specific energy absorption and stable crushing forces is crucial. This study examines the crashworthiness of a Möbius ring under lateral compression and compares it with conventional circular rings. Experimental results demonstrate that the Möbius ring achieves 186.7 % higher stiffness, 34.6 % greater specific energy absorption, and a 52.6 % increase in crushing force efficiency compared to the circular ring. Numerical simulations show a high correlation with experimental results, validating the proposed model. The parametric study and optimization are conducted to evaluate the impact of geometric factors (orbital radius, ovality, width, and winding degree) on the structural response and crashworthiness of the Möbius ring. Additionally, the study investigates the Möbius ring's energy absorption under different boundary conditions, impact velocities, loading angles, and cyclic loading, highlighting its superior stability and durability. Comparative analysis with other tubular structures of equal mass and height confirms its advantages in energy absorption. A 3D-Möbius configuration is also proposed, offering improved energy dissipation and structural integrity. These results provide quantitative guidance for the application of Möbius topologies in automotive, aerospace, and civil protection engineering.