Parametric design strategy of a novel self-similar hierarchical honeycomb for multi-stage energy absorption demand

•The representative unit cell (RVE) of CVH is divided into three sub-regions with independent thickness parameters according to the position of the hexagon.•The influence of different thickness distributions on the performance of CVH is investigated to explore the conditions for the emergence of dual-platform features.•Four key design parameters of the whole energy absorption process are extracted, which are derived theoretically based on the stable deformation modes.•A detailed parametric design strategy of the CVH specimen is proposed based on the theoretical analysis, which can regulate the energy absorption curve to the required range.