Self-restoring energy dissipation mechanism via a contact-driven buckling mode transition

This study proposes a novel self-restoring energy dissipation mechanism based on contact-driven buckling mode transition in a slender elastic column. The mechanism consists of a column adjacent to a parallel wall that enables the following sequential transitions through distinct buckling modes during a prescribed compressive displacement loading cycle: pre-contact, one-point contact, line-contact, and two-point contact. The sequence concludes with a snap-through to the opposite side followed by recovery to the initial configuration upon unloading. The resulting hysteresis in the force-displacement curve allows for passive and effective energy dissipation, while the structure elastically recovers its original configuration to enable repeatable use. Two types of boundary conditions are considered: fixed-fixed and pinned-pinned. The proposed mechanism is validated through desktop-scale experiments, finite element simulations, and analytical modeling based on the Elastica approach. Parametric studies highlight the influence of column-wall spacing on the operating limits and energy dissipation characteristics. The mechanism provides a simple and scalable basis for structural applications where reusability and passive damping are required.