Multi-objective optimization of a novel crash box with a three-dimensional negative Poisson’s ratio inner core

Abstract

The crash box can absorb energy from the beam as much as possible, so as to reduce the collision damage to the front part of the car body and protect the safety of passengers. This work proposes a novel crash box filled with a three-dimensional negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) inner core based on an inner hexagonal cellular structure. In order to optimize and improve the crash box’s energy absorption performance, the multi-objective optimization model of the NPR crash box is established, which combines the optimal Latin hypercube design method and response surface methodology. Then, the microstructure parameters are further optimized by the multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm to obtain an excellent energy absorption effect. The simulation results show that the proposed NPR crash box can generate smooth and controllable deformation to absorb the total energy, and it can further enhance the crashworthiness through the designed optimization algorithm.