Expansion based composite tubes as energy absorbers for improved specific energy absorption: FEA based study

Abstract

Thin tubes made of metals or composites are normally used as energy absorbers in the automobiles in a sacrificial manner. To lessen the operational cost the vehicles are to be made of lightweight materials like aluminum and composites. The tubes made of composite exhibit better specific energy absorption characteristics during an impact compared to their metallic counterparts. In most of the design implementations with either metals or composites, the energy absorption happens in the form of tubular compression. But the design of such absorbers should be tweaked to obtain controlled force–displacement patterns, under multiple dynamic conditions (Speeds of impact). Studies have revealed energy absorbers in the form of expansion metallic tubes can exhibit smooth force–displacement characteristics that are independent of impact velocities. The present study explores the use of tubes made of composite materials as expansion tubes to further improve specific energy absorption capacity.