Abstract

Problem statement: In general, the automotive structure is targeted to absorb high impact energy with least mass as much as possible. This is in order to limit the fuel consumption. Therefore, various techniques to increase the energy absorption with less mass increment have been studied for years. One of those techniques is by filling foam in the tube. This study is also aimed to investigate more detail of the behavior of foam-filled structure under impact. Approach: The study was carried out experimentally by using steel tubes of 2 dimensions i.e., 1×2 and 2×2 inch2. The thickness of each tube was varied from 1.2, 1.5 and 1.8 mm. Each tube was filled with polyurethane foam. The density of foam was varied from 100, 200 and 300 kg m-3. The foam-filled tubes were crushed axially using a 1,000 kN universal testing machine. The crush speed was 50 mm min-1. The load - displacement were recorded and the energy absorption of each specimen was calculated and compared. In this study the specific energy absorption was used as a key indicator, rather than energy absorption, in order to take the mass increment into account. Results: The experimental observation revealed that the structures failed in square mode with number of fold increases as the density of foam increased. It also found that the foam filled tube with density of 300 kg m-3 absorb energy more than that of the tube with foam of 200 and 100 kg m-3 density and empty tube respectively. However, when taking mass into account, the tube with 200 kg m-3 foam-filled may be the most efficient since it provided maximum specific energy absorption value. Conclusion: The result indicated that the density of foam increases the number of folds in collapsed tubes. The result also revealed that tube with higher density foam can absorb more energy absorption. In addition, it was found that the density of 200 kg m-3 is the optimum value to fill in tube since it offers maximum specific energy absorption.

Highlights

  • Should be high energy absorption when compare to its mass (Zhang et al, 2007; Aktay et al, 2006)

  • Considering the specific energy absorption (Es) in Fig. 6 and 8, it was observed that the tube with 100 kg m−3 foamconverted firstly into elastic strain energy in the deform filled provide lowest value of Energy absorption (Es) while the tube tube and the remainder is dissipated in plastic with 200 and 300 kg m−3 foam-filled give high value deformation during collapse

  • The present study reveals the failure characteristic of foam-filled tubes

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Summary

INTRODUCTION

Should be high energy absorption when compare to its mass (Zhang et al, 2007; Aktay et al, 2006). Considering the specific energy absorption (Es) in Fig. 6 and 8, it was observed that the tube with 100 kg m−3 foamconverted firstly into elastic strain energy in the deform filled provide lowest value of Es while the tube tube and the remainder is dissipated in plastic with 200 and 300 kg m−3 foam-filled give high value deformation during collapse. This may be because the impact energy distributes to the whole structure with the assistance of foam. This can be explained that the weigh of 300 kg m−3 foam-filled tube is more than that of the 200 kg m−3 foam-filled tubes

CONCLUSION
Findings
DISCUSSION
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