Title: The inextensional axial collapse of thin plastic double top-hat sections

Authors: A.G. Mamalis, D.E. Manolakos, G.L. Viegelahn, S. Minarecioglou

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA

Abstract: An inextensional collapse mechanism is proposed for the crumpling of thin-walled double top-hat sections when subjected to axial load. A |symmetrical| type of failure consisting of stationary circumferential hinges and travelling inclined hinge lines is studied and it was verified through the test series of specimens of a polymeric plastic material. Predicted loads based on the collapse modes encountered are compared with experimentally obtained ones and found to be in good agreement.

Keywords: axial loads; buckling loads; collapse mechanisms; crashworthiness; crumpling mechanisms; deformation; double top-hat sections; energy absorption; material properties; polymers; strain; stress.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1989.061539

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1989 Vol.10 No.3, pp.269 - 283

Published online: 26 May 2014 *

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