An experimental study on pre-stretched double-chamber 6000-series aluminium profiles subjected to quasi-static and dynamic axial crushing. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qvale, Kristin; Hopperstad, Odd Sture; Reiso, Oddvin; Tundal, Ulf Håkon; Marioara, Calin Daniel; Børvik, Tore
• Is Part Of: Thin-walled structures. Volume 158(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Ductile fracture -- Extruded profiles -- Buckling -- Crash box -- Pre-deformation -- Impact loading; Thin-walled structures -- Periodicals; 690.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tws.2020.107160
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-8231

Abstract

Abstract: Automotive crash boxes require a material selection with strength and ductility in a balanced combination. In this work, the behaviour of double-chamber AA6063 and AA6082 aluminium profiles subjected to quasi-static and dynamic axial crushing was studied experimentally. The profiles were stretched to two different levels between extrusion and artificial ageing to temper T6. The higher pre-stretch resulted in a more ductile material with a slightly lower ultimate tensile strength. By visual inspection and by studying X-ray Computed Tomography scans of the tested profiles, dynamic loading was found to cause a larger amount of fracture than quasi-static loading. Highlights: Pre-straining the extrusions before artificial ageing results in higher ductility. Impact loading results in a higher mean force and a less ductile behaviour. CT scans of the deformed profiles were used to study fracture.