Twist, Recover, Repeat: Helical Tensegrity Metamaterials with Compression‐Torsion Coupling, Negative Dissipation, and Programmable Energy Response

Abstract

Abstract Inspired by the double‐helical geometry of DNA, helical tensegrity‐based mechanical metamaterials with complementary left‐ and right‐handed four‐bar units that enable compression‐torsion coupling, nonlinear stiffness, and structural adaptability is presented. Under quasi‐static loading, the unit cell exhibited distinct coupled axial compression and torsional deformation, along with nonlinear force‐displacement and angle‐displacement responses. The unit cell demonstrated exceptional self‐recovery and fatigue resistance, with only 5.6% stiffness reduction after 10 000 compression cycles. At high compression rates (300–500 mm min −1 ), negative energy dissipation occurs, where the unloading forces exceed the loading forces owing to geometry‐driven inertial rebound. Multi‐cell assemblies exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio of ≈−1, quasi‐isotropic response, and programmable stiffness tuned via geometric parameters such as rod inclination and cable length. Impact and indentation tests confirmed high‐energy absorption and rapid shape recovery within ≈70 ms, with load‐sharing effects enhancing the local strength by up to 47%. This bioinspired architecture integrated geometric intelligence with mechanical functionality to create a reusable impact‐resistant metamaterial platform for wearable protective, robotic, and aerospace systems.