Improved Energy Absorption Mechanism: Expansion of Circular Tubes by Rigid Tubes During the Axial Crushing

Abstract

This study suggests three methods of enhancing energy dissipation capacity by means of the expansion of deformable tubes by a rigid tube in case of axial crushing. In this mechanism of energy dissipation, a rigid tube is being press-fitted into a deformable tube during the axial crushing. This mechanism dissipates energy through the circumferential expansions of the deformable tube and friction force between tubes. In this regard, three different methods have been studied in aid of improving the energy absorption capacity of the absorber systems in addition to economizing on the manufacturing cost. The methods include reinforcing the tubes by attaching horizontal and vertical lateral parts as well as using a combination of them. Finite element solution was adopted to simulate models’ deformation and energy absorption capacity. As a result, it was found out that the tubes reinforced by a combination of horizontal and vertical lateral parts indicate higher energy dissipation capacities in addition to lower production costs.