Computer simulation and energy absorption.pdfVIP

Thin-Walled Structures 43 (2005) 1225–1242 /locate/tws Computer simulation and energy absorption of tapered thin-walled rectangular tubes G.M. Nagel, D.P. Thambiratnam* School of Civil Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia Received 2 August 2004; accepted 29 March 2005 Available online 20 June 2005 Abstract Tapered thin-walled tubes have been considered desirable energy absorbers under axial loading due to their relatively stable crush load and deformation response compared with straight tubes. This paper compares the energy absorption response of straight and tapered thin-walled rectangular tubes under quasi-static axial loading, for variations in their wall thickness, taper angle and number of tapered sides. Overall the study highlights the advantages of using tapered tubes as energy absorbers. In particular, the peak load required to crush the tubes decreases with the introduction of a taper, and as the taper angle increases. This is desirable for minimising the impact loads transmitted to the protected structure. The practical outcome of the study is design information for the use of tapered thin-walled rectangular tubes as energy absorbers in impact loading applications. Analysis has been undertaken using a finite element model, validated using existing theoretical and numerical models. q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Tapered tubes; Energy absorption; Axial crushing; Finite element; Crashworthiness 1. Introduction The protection of structures under impact loading often necessitates the need for energy absorbers, devices designed to absorb the impact energy in a control