Study on the Impact of Shape and Double-Walled Structure on Energy Absorption in Thin-Walled Aluminum Tubes

Document Type : Solid Mechanics

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Faculty of Technical Engineering, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran

2 Master's student, Faculty of Technical Engineering, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran

Abstract

To mitigate the damage caused by collisions, energy absorbers are employed. Thin-walled structures, renowned for their energy absorptio capabilities, are designed in various configurations. Due to their lightweight, high energy absorption capability, controlled crushing behavior, and superior energy-to-weight ratio, these structures are recognized as one of the best energy absorption systems. In this study, the effect of geometric shape variations in aluminum tubes with circular and triangular double-walled cross-sections on energy absorption and axial loading was investigated. In the experimental section, aluminum thin-walled tubes with circular and triangular double-walled cross-sections were prepared, followed by quasi-static tests under a constant loading rate on the samples, where force-displacement curves were measured in each test. A model was developed to simulate the crushing process using finite element analysis, considering nonlinear material behavior, contact, and large deformations. By comparing the experimental and numerical results, it was determined that the proposed model is suitable for predicting the crushing response and determining the force-displacement curve and absorbed energy. The mechanical properties of the samples and the compressive loading were tested using a servo-hydraulic testing machine manufactured by Santam. This study also examined the impact of double-walling with circular and triangular cross-sections on the energy absorption capacity of aluminum tubes, demonstrating that adding an extra layer significantly increases the absorbed energy and the load-bearing capacity of the absorber.

Graphical Abstract

Study on the Impact of Shape and Double-Walled Structure on Energy Absorption in Thin-Walled Aluminum Tubes

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References

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Aerospace Mechanics
Volume 21, Issue 2 - Serial Number 80
Summer
July 2025
Pages 67-79

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 29 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 07 June 2025
  • Publish Date: 08 July 2025

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