Strain-rate dependent mechanics of metallic kirigami [dataset]

Kirigami, the art of folding and cutting paper, has inspired a new class of structures with remarkable properties. Novel applications include: soft robotics, metamaterials, deployable structures, and energy-dissipating devices. Many studies have explored the behaviour of kirigami structures with varying cut patterns. However, these studies have focused on quasi-static deformations and linear elastic materials. In this work, we investigate the dynamic response of metallic kirigami structures. Using static and dynamic experiments, supplemented by numerical simulations and semi-analytical calculations, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the strain-rate-dependent behaviour of kirigami. More specifically, we compute a critical impact velocity beyond which the response of the kirigami switches from imperfection-dominated to the formation of a tension-induced buckling front. This critical impact velocity captures the strain-rate dependent mechanics of metallic kirigami and can be computed using the static stress-strain response, greatly reducing computational (and experimental) time and complexity. The findings of this study provide the foundation for designing advanced kirigami-based systems tailored to dynamic loading regimes, such as blast and impact applications.