Theoretical, experimental and numerical investigations on the energy absorption of splitting multiple circular tubes under impact loading

Abstract This paper presents an investigation into the energy absorption behaviour of splitting multiple circular tubes by theoretical, experimental and numerical methods. A theoretical solution for the steady-state crushing force of splitting multiple circular tubes is derived by applying the deformation theory. To explore the energy absorption of splitting multiple circular tubes and to validate the finite element model and a theoretical solution for the crushing force, an impact experiment is performed using a test trolley to examine the splitting process and force responses of multiple circular tubes. The finite element models of splitting multiple circular tubes are then established to investigate the energy absorption behaviour of the structure. The numerical simulation results agree well with those of the impact experiment. The energy absorption of splitting multiple circular tubes with different geometrical configurations, including the wall thickness of the tubes, number of tubes, radius of the tubes and conical angle of the dies, is analysed using a validated finite element model. The results show that the geometrical configurations of the tubes and conical angle of the dies have a distinct effect on the energy absorption. An analysis is also conducted to investigate the energy absorption by the evolution of the theoretical models. It is confirmed that the theoretical solutions provide a reliable prediction of the steady-state crushing force of splitting multiple circular tubes. The effect of the velocity is investigated, and the result shows that the steady-state force increased as the impact velocity increased.