Compression-torsion-coupled metamaterials with high-energy absorption

Compression-torsion coupled metamaterials (C-TCMs) are a transformative class of engineering materials due to their unique ability to convert axial compressive forces into torsional deformation. However, existing studies have mainly focused on non-metallic C-TCMs under small-strain conditions, limiting their application in highly loaded engineering scenarios. In this study, a novel metallic C-TCM is introduced to systematically investigate its coupled compression-torsion mechanics, energy absorption efficiency, and tensile expansion behavior. Mechanical properties, such as stiffness, stress plateau characteristics, negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR), and specific energy absorption (SEA) were rigorously analyzed by using Abaqus/Explicit. The structure achieves a maximum SEA of 48.51 kJ/kg, which exceeds the state-of-the-art tensile expansion and energy absorption structures. Notably, the interaction between NPR and torsion is explained through a deformation mode conversion mechanism, providing a pioneering approach to designing versatile protective structures in naval and aerospace engineering.