Investigation of expanding-folding absorbers with functionally graded thickness under axial loading and optimization of crushing parameters

Chunwei Zhang, Limeng Zhu, Farayi Musharavati, Afrasyab Khan and Tamer A. Sebaey

Abstract

In this study, a new type of energy absorbers with a functionally graded thickness is investigated, these type of absorbers absorb energy through expanding-folding processes. The expanding-folding absorbers are composed of two sections: a thin-walled aluminum matrix and a thin-walled steel mandrel. Previous studies have shown higher efficiency of the mentioned absorbers compared to the conventional ones. In this study, the effect of thickness which has been functionally-graded on the aluminum matrix (in which expansion occurs) was investigated. To this end, initial functions were considered for the matrix thickness, which was ascending/descending along the axis. The study was done experimentally and numerically. Comparing the experimental data with the numerical results showed high consistency between the numerical and experimental results. In the final section of this study, the best energy absorber functionally graded thickness was introduced by optimization using a thirdorder genetic algorithm. The optimization results showed that by choosing a minimum thickness of 1.6 mm and the exponential coefficient of 3.25, the most optimal condition can be obtained for descending thickness absorbers.

Key Words

crashworthiness; energy absorber; genetic algorithm; multi-objective optimization

Address

Chunwei Zhang:1)Multidisciplinary Centre for Infrastructure Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang, 110870, China 2)Structural Vibration Control Group, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China Limeng Zhu:Structural Vibration Control Group, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China Farayi Musharavati:Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar Afrasyab Khan:Institute of Engineering and Technology, Department of Hydraulics and Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems, South Ural State University, Lenin Prospect 76, Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russian Federation Tamer A. Sebaey:1)Engineering Management Department, College of Engineering, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 2)Mechanical Design and Production Department, Faculty of Engineering, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Zagazig, Sharkia, Egypt

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