Correlation study between the square-cone energy-absorbing structure and the frontal collision behaviour of leading vehicles

Abstract

Abstract In order to study the influence of square-cone energy-absorbing structures on the mechanical behaviour of the collision performance of the leading vehicle, a parameterization method for rapidly changing the performance of energy-absorbing structures was proposed. Firstly, a finite element simulation model of the collision of the leading vehicle with a square-cone energy-absorbing structure was constructed. Then, the platform force, the slope of the platform force and the initial peak force of the force-displacement curve derived from the energy-absorbing structure were studied for the collision performance of the leading vehicle. Finally, the correlation model of the square-cone energy-absorbing structure and the mechanical behaviour of the collision performance of the leading vehicle was established by the response surface method. The results showed that the increase of the platform force of the energy-absorbing structure can effectively buffer the longitudinal impact of the train and reduce the nodding attitude of the train. The increase of the platform force slope can not only effectively buffer the longitudinal impact and vertical nodding of the train, but also reduce the lateral swing of the train. An increase in the initial peak force to a certain extent may lead to a change in the deformation mode, thereby reducing the energy-absorption efficiency. The correlation model can guide the design of the square-cone energy-absorbing structure and predict the deformation attitude of the leading vehicle.