Title: Design and finite element simulations of aluminium foam-filled thin-walled tubes

Authors: A.G. Hanssen, A. Reyes, O.S. Hopperstad, M. Langseth

Addresses: Department of Structural Engineering, Structural Impact Laboratory (SIMLab), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim N-7491, Norway. SINTEF Materials and Chemistry, Applied Mechanics and Corrosion, Trondheim N-7465, Norway ' Department of Structural Engineering, Structural Impact Laboratory (SIMLab), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim N-7491, Norway. ' Department of Structural Engineering, Structural Impact Laboratory (SIMLab), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim N-7491, Norway. ' Department of Structural Engineering, Structural Impact Laboratory (SIMLab), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim N-7491, Norway

Abstract: This paper presents experiences gained at SIMLab in modelling and design of aluminium-foam-filled tubes for structural applications. The main challenges for robust finite element simulations using explicit codes are outlined and references to previous studies are used for illustration. Any details whatsoever may be found in the original papers referenced in the text.

Keywords: aluminium extrusions; aluminium foams; energy absorption; crash box; LS-DYNA; finite element method; FEM; constitutive modelling; simulation; thin-walled tubes; mechanical properties; foam properties; foam design; foam-based structural components; strength; bending; foam density.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2005.006659

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2005 Vol.37 No.2/3, pp.126 - 155

Published online: 31 Mar 2005 *

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