Negative Poisson's Ratio Metamaterials in Automotive Crash Resistance Design: Structural Innovation and Performance Optimization

Negative Poisson's ratio metamaterials are a research hotspot in the automotive industry due to their unique deformation mechanisms and excellent mechanical properties. This paper reviews their application in automotive collision protection, focusing on optimized designs like the concave hexagon (RH), YSH structure, rhinoceros beetle bionic structure, double arrowhead (DAH), three-dimensional hexagonal double arrowhead, and star-shaped honeycomb structures. These structures outperform traditional solutions in energy absorption efficiency, peak force suppression, and adaptability to multi-angle impact through gradient design, composite materials, and geometric parameter control. For example, the YSH structure enhances specific energy absorption (SEA) by alleviating stress concentration with an improved vertical rod; the three-dimensional double arrowhead composite structure combined with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) achieves high specific stiffness and smooth crushing deformation while maintaining lightweight; and the star-shaped honeycomb increases the energy absorption capacity by 245% through multi-level plastic hinge design. Although functional gradient design and bionic topology optimization expand the application potential of negative Poisson's ratio structures, material composite technology, manufacturing processes, and multi-condition verification are still key areas for future research. This paper summarizes the current challenges and proposes promoting the engineering application of negative Poisson's ratio metamaterials in automotive safety through interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced manufacturing technology, and standardized research.