Theoretical model for elliptical tube laterally impacted by two parallel rigid plates

Abstract

An analytical model is developed to study the crushing behavior and energy absorption capability of a single elliptical tube impacted by two parallel rigid plates, with and without consideration of the strain hardening effect. The four-hinge collapse mechanism is used, and the governing equation is derived from Lagrange equations of the second kind. The numerical simulation of the dynamic response of the elliptical tube under impact using the finite element explicit code LS-DYNA is performed. The reaction force-displacement curve and displacement-time curve of the plate obtained from the two methods are in good agreement.