Developed trigger mechanisms to improve crush force efficiency of aluminium tubes. (15th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rai, V.; Ghasemnejad, H.; Watson, J.W.; Gonzalez-Domingo, J.A.; Webb, P.F.
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 199(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11-15
• Subjects: Crash -- Trigger mechanisms -- Circular tubes -- Cut-out; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.109620
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Introducing various trigger mechanisms – cut-out holes, circufemential notch and end fillet. Higher efficiency of three cut-out holes in comparison with other trigger mechanisms. Significant improvement in crush force efficiency. Abstract: This paper aims to investigate the effect of a trigger mechanism on the crush force efficiency of aluminium tubular absorbers. Various trigger mechanisms such as cut-out holes, circumferential notch and end-fillet, were studied using the validated numerical model. Initially, tubes made of aluminium displayed better crashworthiness behaviour when compared with steel tubes based on numerical and experimental results. Then the trigger mechanism consisting of three cut-out holes was found more efficient than the ones with an end fillet and a circumferential notch based on a comparative study. According to these results, the developed trigger mechanisms have a significant change in crashworthiness performance of tubular absorbers. Crush force efficiency was doubled with the help of this trigger mechanism while stroke efficiency and specific energy absorptions were reduced by 4% and 15% respectively.