This study introduces the opinion of the corrugation hierarchy to develop the second-order corrugation paperboard, and explore the deformation characteristics, yield strength, and energy absorbing capacity under out-of-plane static evenly compression loading by experimental and analytical approaches. On the basis of the inclined-straight strut elements of corrugation unit and plastic hinge lines, the yield and crushing strengths of corrugation unit were analyzed. This study shows that as the compressive stress increases, the second-order corrugation core layer is firstly crushed, and the first-order corrugation structures gradually compacted until the failure of entire structure. The corrugation type has an obvious influence on the yield strength of the corrugation sandwich panel, and the yield strength of B-flute corrugation sandwich panel is wholly higher than that of the C-flute structure. At the same compression rate, the flute type has a significant impact on energy absorption, and the C-flute second-order corrugation sandwich panel has better bearing capacity than the B-flute structure. The second-order corrugation sandwich panel has a better bearing capacity than the first-order structure. The static compression rate has little effect on the yield strength and deformation mode. However, with the increase of the static compression rate, the corrugation sandwich panel has a better cushioning energy absorption and material utilization rate.
