Experimental investigation of the thin-walled energy absorbers with different sections including surface imperfections under low-speed impact test

Abstract

Today, investigating the impact phenomenon is of particular importance in different fields. The axial crashing test is considered as one of the most common test with the application in a variety of industries such as the aerospace, shipbuilding, automotive, rail and elevator industries. In this study, the behavior of thin-walled energy absorbers with different circular and square cross-sections has been examined under low-speed impact test. Then, by creating surface defects to reduce the overall weight of the structure as well as reducing the initial peak load, the tests have been continued. It is worth noting that all specimens are made of 1100 series aluminum. The results showed that the highest absorbed energy and highest crashing force efficiency was attributed to the circular beam and simple square beam, respectively.