Mechanical properties of two types of cubic cores with different folding methods

The cubic core panel is a lightweight metamaterial structure with a core made by three-dimensionally forming a sheet into a shape resembling an array of cubes using origami (folding paper) and kirigami (cutting paper) technology. Even if the initial sheet is of the same cut, by changing the pattern of arrangement of the fold lines, two different types of fabrication processes exist for the cubic core, and although the component arrangement of the finished core is the same, the connections between the components are different, which allows for different mechanical properties to be provided. Hear the most fundamental property, stiffness in compression, is quantified using experimental, analytical, and theoretical methods. We focus on the vertical plane that comprise the cubic core panel and quantitatively predict the compressive stiffness of the two core types based on their buckling strength. In addition, we investigate the post-buckling crushing behavior from mechanical measurements and simulations, and discuss the impact absorption performance. The structural design provides an engineering application that optimizes the two formation methods of cubic core panels.