Investigation on the Effect of Patterned Holes on Energy Absorption Characteristics of Aluminium Square Tubes

Abstract

The use of thin-walled square tubes has got significance in the design of impact energy absorbers for safety of the occupant because of their better specific energy absorption. Despite their better energy absorption, greater initial peak crushing force is the serious threat to occupants causing injuries. Hence, it is critical to minimize the initial peak crushing force with improved crashworthiness performance of thin-walled square tubes. Hence, in the present study, an idea of implementing patterned through-hole perforations along the lateral sides of extruded square profile tubes has been proposed to improve the performance characteristic of the thin-walled tubes by decreasing the initial peak crush force and by improving the crushing energy absorption capacity under axial static loading conditions. The effect of patterned perforations on performance characteristics was implemented by drilling lateral holes at desired positions. Quasi-static axial compressive experiments were conducted to compare the performance characteristics between bare square tubes and square tubes with patterned perforations of discontinuities. The results showed that the patterned holes increased energy absorption (EA) capability with reduced peak force. The initial peak crush force was decreased by 5–25%, and total energy absorption was increased up to 17%. The results have shown the performance characteristics of tubes having patterned holes.