Energy absorption of thin-walled tubes with pre-folded origami patterns: Numerical simulation and experimental verification

Thin-walled tubes are widely used as energy absorption components. In this study, two different origami patterns were introduced to circular tubes. The influence of the origami patterns on the energy absorption capacity and the deformation mechanism of tubes under uniaxial loading were investigated both numerically and experimentally. The results showed that the initial peak force of origami tubes would be significantly reduced, while the energy absorption capacity could be improved or maintained. Brass tubes with and without origami patterns were fabricated using 3D printing and were tested to validate the finite element models