| Summary: In this study, the capability of thin-walled tubes as an energy absorber is numerically and experimentally investigated. The specimens used in this study are prepared from the notched tubes with circular cross section, and is made of Al6063, St52 and Al6063-St52. However, the lower dies having various conical angles (0, 15, 30 and 45) are used to be easily tear of the tubes. Experiments were performed under static and dynamic loading conditions to determine the energy absorption capabilities of the tubes. Also, the numerical analyses are pursued for the same experimental conditions using Ls-Dyna software. Moreover additional numerical, analyses of the empty and foam filed tubes, which join different materials of Al6061 aluminum and AISI 1080 steel using the tailor welded technique, are performed for the different conical angles (0, 5, 10 and 15). Meshless smooth particular hydrodynamics method is used for foam material in this analyses, It was obtained that, the peak forces, absorbed energies and crushing forces decrease with increasing conical angle of the lower die. Also, the energy absorption capability of foam filled tubes are determined to be higher than empty tubes. |
