Splitting and curling collapse of metal foam core square sandwich metal tubes: Experimental and theoretical investigations

Abstract

Axial splitting and curling collapse of square sandwich metal tubes with metal foam core is investigated analytically and experimentally. The square sandwich metal tube split axially and curl outward along prefabricated cracks. Axial compressive tests of square sandwich metal tubes with prefabricated cracks are conducted and deformation modes are observed. An analytical model for axial splitting and curling behavior of square sandwich metal tube considering plastic bending, crack tearing, curling, foam compression, friction is proposed. It is demonstrated the analytical predictions are in good agreement with experimental results. Influences of foam thickness, tube thickness, die angle, prefabricated crack length, and foam strength are of vital importance to axial splitting and curling of square sandwich metal tube.