Numerical crushing analysis of empty and foam-filled corrugated composite tubes under axial loading

In the present paper, a numerical study is perfonncd to investigate the crushing behavior of corrugated composite tubes. Different aluminum foams are applied to corrugated composite tubes in order to offer an excellent energ absorption capacity. The crushing behavior of structures are evaluated by two parameters: SEA (specific energy absorption) and CFE (crush force efficiently). So, in order to study the effect of conugation on the crashworthiness of composite tubes. a comprehensive numerical analysis ofcomrgated carbon/BMI tubes is performed tmder axial loadings in this work. The effect of geometric parameters of corrugation including number and radius of corrugations is studied by finite element simulation of several models in LS-DYNA. Comparison between corrugated tubes and straight one is demonstrated the CFE is improved significantly in these new models. Furthermore the absorbed energy is increased by using foams. SEA. mean force and peak forces are increased by increasing the foam density while the crush force efficiently is decreased considerably due to the fact that in higher densities. densifrcation region accrues in fewer strains.

Keywords:

composite corrugated tube. energy absorption. axial crushing , aluminum foam