An Experimental Study on the Splitting Process of Circular Metal Tubes with Polyurethane Foam–Filler

This paper studies the effects of polyurethane foam–filler on the axial splitting process of the circular metal tubes under axial quasi–static loading, experimentally. All geometrical groups of specimens in the axial splitting were used in both of empty and polyurethane foam–filled conditions. The effects of semi angle of die, number of initial slits and also, diameter and wall thickness of tubes on the axial load and energy absorption by the structure are studied. The experimental results show that the polyurethane foam–filler increases the energy absorption capability by the tubes. Furthermore, increment of the absorbed energy by thinner tubes is more than thicker specimens due to the filler. Results show that the polyurethane foam– filled circular tubes under the axial compression in the splitting process works as a good energy dissipater.

Keywords:

energy absorber , polyurethane foam , thin–wall structure , splitting , circular tube