Reprogramming multi-stable snapping and energy dissipation in origami metamaterials through panel confinement

Origami-inspired metamaterials can leverage geometric and material nonlinearity to achieve reconfigurable and reversible mechanical responses. In this work, we focus on a class of origami-inspired metamaterials and explore the role of panel confinement in their cyclic mechanical response under loading. Our objectives are to (1) quantify the magnitude change in the snapping force and energy dissipation attained by varying the level of confinement of selected panels and (2) use these insights to reprogram their mechanical response post-fabrication. Through simulation, proof-of-concept fabrication, and cyclic testing, we identify the governing factors that either alter or preserve the snapping force magnitude during repeated cycles of compression-tension. We also demonstrate how the in-situ control of the distance between selected panels enables reprogramming their snapping behavior and energy dissipation, thereby proposing the modulation of panel confinement as a practical design strategy to attain energy dissipation reprogrammability. The findings expand the versatility and application of this class of origami metamaterials in sectors requiring precise control of energy dissipation, such as aerospace, automotive, and protective equipment.