Suture Interface Inspired Self-Recovery Architected Structures for Reusable Energy Absorption

Designing materials and structures with high energy absorptionand self-recoverability remains a challenge for reusable energy absorption,particularly in aerospace engineering applications (i.e., planetarylanders). While the prevalent design methods of reusable energy absorbersmainly use the mechanical instability of tilted and curved beams,the limited energy absorption capabilities and low strength of tiltedor curved beams limit performance improvement. In nature, Phlorodes diabolicus has evolved extreme impact resistance,in which the suture interface structure plays a key role. Herein,we propose a convex interface slide design strategy for reusabilityand energy absorption through friction interface, geometry, and bendingelasticity, inspired by the elytra of Phlorodes diabolicus. Convex interfaces slide to achieve a more than 270% higher energyabsorption capacity per unit volume than the curved beams. The convexinterface slide design can be easily integrated with other structuresto achieve multiple functions, such as various shapes and self-recoverability.Furthermore, we developed a theoretical model to predict the mechanicalbehavior and energy absorption performance. Our strategy opens upa new design space for creating reusable energy-absorbing structures.

Automated summary

Designing materials and structures with high energy absorption and self-recoverability is a challenge in aerospace engineering applications. Inspired by Phlorodes diabolicus, we propose a convex interface slide design strategy for reusability and energy absorption. The convex interface slide design achieves a 270% higher energy absorption capacity than curved beams. Additionally, we developed a theoretical model to predict mechanical behavior and energy absorption performance.