Energy absorption behaviors of foam-filled holed tube subjected to axial crushing: Experimental and theoretical investigations

Abstract

In the present research, the axial crushing behaviors of foam-filled holed tube are investigated by performing quasi-static compression tests. The possible deformation modes are obtained. The experimental results show that the energy absorption performance of empty holed tube can be greatly enhanced by filling aluminum foam. Furthermore, a novel theoretical model for concertina mode of foam-filled holed tube is proposed based on super folding element method, and validated by present and previous experimental results. The interaction between the tube wall and foam filler, normalized mean crushing force and specific energy absorption are obtained theoretically and discussed in detail.

Keywords:

• Axial crushing
• deformation mode
• foam filling
• holed tube
• theoretical predictions

Acknowledgments

The authors also would like to gratefully acknowledge Mr. Li-qiang Zhang of North Aerospace Engineering Co., Ltd. (Xi’an, China) for the manufacturing and processing of specimens.

Additional information

Funding

The present research is supported by Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Chang’an University, China (300102129721); Innovation and Open Laboratory Project, Chang’an University, China (2018CXSY06); and Undergraduate Training Programs for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Chang’an University, China (201810710139).