Energy absorption performance of multi-cell hexagonal tube with hierarchical self-similarity

Extensive research has recognised thin-walled structures for their exceptional energy absorption capabilities. In this study, a multi-cell hexagonal tube featuring hierarchical self-similarity (SMHT) was proposed and analysed using numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. A finite element model was developed and experimentally validated. Theoretical models of Simplified Super Folding Element (SSFE) were derived to predict the mean crushing force (MCF) accurately. The average relative error between the theoretical and numerical models is less than 7%. Results show that the SMHT’s Specific Energy Absorption (SEA) is 1 to 2 times higher than that of a single-cell hexagonal tube. Moreover, the MCF and crushing force efficiency (CFE) of the SMHT are further enhanced, leading to a considerable increase in the energy absorption efficiency of the SMHT.