Effect of foam filling on the dynamic axial crushing of thin-walled conical tubes

Abstract

Comprehensive numerical simulations using non-linear finite element code were conducted to investigate the crush behaviour of thin-walled conical tube filled with aluminium foam. This paper numerically studies the effect of foam filling on the crush and energy absorption responses under axial dynamic loading condition using validated numerical model. Influence of varying the wall thickness, semi-apical angles, foam density, impact mass and impact velocity on the energy absorption capacity of the tube is also examined in the parametric study. Results show excellent absorbing capacity of foam-filled conical tube when compared to empty conical tube. Some design information and useful concluding remarks pertaining to the design of foam-filled conical tubes are presented.