A novel axially half corrugated thin-walled tube for energy absorption under Axial loading

Abstract

In this paper, tubes with different axial corrugations were studied under axial loading. Accordingly, a new axially half-corrugated thin-walled tube was developed to improve the energy absorption characteristics. The forming process of the corrugations on the tubes has also been described. Comprehensive experimental and numerical analysis have been conducted in order to investigate the effects of various geometrical parameters on crushing behavior of the structure. It has been shown that by the use of the new axially half corrugated tube, there is much more efficient crushing via a more uniform force-displacement result as well as a considerable improvement in other crashworthiness characteristics. Subsequently, a numerical study has been conducted on the same tubes to both have the numerical results validated and assure the repeatability and reliability of the experimental results. An efficient model in axial loading has been obtained which is offering a perfect concertina form. The obtained model deforms through an inversion mode causing an extra frictional force between the inverted part and the tube itself, resulting in a considerable increase in SEA, mean force, and consequently CFE. - 2019 Elsevier Ltd