Analysis of mechanical response of triple continuous nested tube energy absorber under low-speed compression of rigid plate

Abstract

The nested tube system is a cost-efficient energy absorbing device that is particularly crucial for applications with constrained squeeze zones and space. Using the triple continuous nested tube (TCNT) method for nesting is quite useful. The single-stage mode and two-stage mode are its two distinctive force–displacement curve forms. In this study, finite element models suitable for TCNT structures were developed using Abaqus software, and several control groups were constructed according to different initial collapse loads. Through an in-depth analysis of each component of the TCNT, it is discovered that the stiffness competition between the two inner rings is the primary factor contributing to the step-like mechanical response. The TCNT system comprehensively outperforms the conventional single ring design for specific energy absorption (SEA). The prediction equation regarding the initial collapse load of this system is also discussed in this paper. Since the relative errors of the theoretical and numerical solutions are more concentrated, the accuracy can be increased by the amplification factor. The final polynomial fit equation obtained gives a glimpse of the full force–displacement curve.