Comparative analysis of energy absorption behavior of tapered and grooved thin-walled tubes with the various geometry of the cross section

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this paper, Crush force efficiency (CFE), Specific Energy Absorption (SEA), Energy Absorption per Crush Length (Ecl), Maximum and average crush forces of straight and grooved tapered thin-walled tubes with various cross-section shapes (circle, ellipse, square, rectangle, hexagon, and octagon) have been studied. The effects of taper, the groove (as initiator) and their interaction have been presented in the current study using Finite Element Method as a numerical method. The tubes have the same volume, height, average cross-section area, thickness and material and have been subjected to axial and oblique dynamic loading. The results of simulations show that the section's geometry, taper and groove addition have a significant effect on energy absorption behavior and the hexagon cross section have better energy absorption behavior compared with other considered geometries. On the other hand, it was found that the behavior of these structures could improve against dynamic axial and oblique impact loading with the cost-effective geometry modifications. These results could help to improve and choose appropriate energy absorber structure based on desirable crush force and energy absorbing characteristics.