Experiment and simulation to compress destroyed process of novel tailor rolled tubes

Abstract

A novel tailor rolled tube was manufactured to meet the weight reduction requirement and further improve the energy-absorbing properties. This study aims to investigate the compressive destructive behavior of a novel tailor rolled tube by a compress experiment and computer simulation. Quasi-static axial compressive tests were conducted on tubes of square variable thickness (TRT) and equal thickness (UT) using a hydraulic testing machine. It is shown that the TRT exhibits a lower initial peak force and higher energy absorption, leading to a change in the failure mode. Based on the experimental results, a numerical model using the ABAQUS/Explicit was constructed. The simulation results of deformation behavior and load–deflection performance of square TRT under the axial quasi-static loading show agreement with the results from the experiments. A parametric study was conducted by using the FE model to investigate the effects of the transition zone on the impact collapse characteristics of TRTs. Based on the analytical results, a design recommendation was presented for the novel TRT.