Title: Experimental and numerical analysis of slotted tube systems under quasi-static loading

Authors: Edmund Morris, A.G. Olabi, M.S.J. Hashmi

Addresses: School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland. ' School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland. ' School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland

Abstract: In this study of impact attenuation devices, rings/tubes have received a large amount of research due to their adaptability, that is, they are low in cost and are readily available for selection in the design process. They also exhibit desirable force deflection responses which is important in the design of energy absorbing devices. The function of such a device is to bring a moving mass to a controlled stop and ideally cause the occupant ride down deceleration to be within acceptable limits so as to avoid injuries or to protect delicate structures. In this work, the quasi-static analysis of nested circular tube energy absorbers is examined using experimental and numerical techniques. Although these devices are usually exposed to much higher velocities, it is common to analyse the quasi-static response first, since the same predominant geometrical effects will also occur under dynamic loading conditions. In this investigation two different types of nested tube configurations are analysed: (1) In-Plane; where three tubes of varying diameter are placed within each other and their axes being parallel. (2) Out of-Plane; where the tubes have a 90° orientation. Both of these systems contain slotted tubes. The purpose of the slots is to achieve a desirable force-deflection response. A numerical technique via the finite element method is used to simulate the loading and response of such devices and hence, comparison of numerical and experimental force-deflection response is presented.

Keywords: energy absorbers; lateral crushing; nested systems; slotted tube systems; quasi-static loading; impact attenuation; force deflection; circular tubes; finite element method; FEM; simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCMSSE.2009.024934

International Journal of Computational Materials Science and Surface Engineering, 2009 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.137 - 145

Published online: 04 May 2009 *

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