Experimental study of impact energy absorption in aluminium square tubes with thermal triggers

Abstract

This study presents an approach for the improvement of crashworthiness properties of aluminium tubular structures using initiators introduced through localized heating. The main objective of this approach is to improve the ability to absorb impact energy in a progressive and controlled manner by a local modification of material properties. Through a localized heating in areas previously chosen for initiation, associated with the softening of the aluminium alloy the deformation can be introduced precisely, forcing the tubular structure to deform in a mode of high energy absorption and reducing the maximum load in a controlled manner. This study presents the properties for an aluminium alloy 6061-T5 modified by thermal treatment by the use of a laser beam. Experimental results are presented of quasi-static and impact tests of tubular structures using the proposed approach. This concept appears as possible and effective in the experimental work presented.

Investigation of the Tube Expansion Test with Elastomer Using Locally Overaged AA6063 Tubes

“…Literature confirms the effectiveness of the mentioned approach especially when applied to sheet metal parts [6,7], whereas only few examples deal with the possibility to apply a local modification to tubular components [8]. In a previous work, the authors investigated experimentally the effect of laser treatments on the formability of AA6063 tubular samples subjected to expansion tests with elastomer [9]: in particular, tubes in the T6 conditions were heated by means of a CO2 laser beam, along linear tracks parallel to the tube axis, to locally bring the material in the overaged state.…”

Experimental and Numerical Assessment of the Impact Test Performance Between Two UHSS Toe Cap Models

“…Thus, properties for analysis, such as, displacements, linear velocities and accelerations were obtained by a Photon Ultima APX-RS camera through video sequences, for each experiment, and then processed by the image tracking software, TEMA Motion. The technical procedure, preparation, as well as other main considerations can be found in references 20,21 .…”

Study on Quasi-Static Axial Compression Performance and Energy Absorption of Aluminum Foam-Filled Steel Tubes

“…When subjected to oblique loads, thin-walled structures are prone to overall buckling, which leads to reduced energy absorption [ 9 ]. To solve this kind of problem, researchers proceed from the structure of thin-wall steel tubes and improve the energy-absorbing capacity and stability of the structure by making holes [ 10 ], grooving [ 11 ] or pre-buckling [ 12 ], local heat treatment [ 13 ], and other treatment methods.…”