Crashworthiness Analysis Of Ultralight Metal Structures

In this thesis, a novel 'layered' model for simulating the quasi-static and dynamic collapse of foam-filled ultralight aluminium structures using three-dimensional elasto-plastic finite element analysis is presented. Specifically, the quasi-static and dynamic axial collapse of foam-filled box columns is investigated. The column was modelled using shell elements, while the filler foam was modelled as a series of solid layers with a shear-stress failure criterion, which ties the layers together. This method enabled the simulation of the shear rupture of the foam, as observed in the extensive mechanical testing carried out in support of this study. The interface between the filler and the tube was modelled using an automatic contact algorithm, which incorporates the penalty method. The finite element analysis consisted of two investigations. In the first, aluminium columns of varying dimensions filled with aluminium foam of varying densities undergoing quasi-static axial crushing were examined. The effect of foam density, wall thickness and width of the column on energy absorption was evaluated and discussed. In the second, the same geometry was explored under dynamic impact loading. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

This book contains twelve invited lectures from the Third International Symposium on Structural Crashworthiness. Particular emphasis is given to the failure predictions for ductile metal structures under large dynamic loads and to the behaviour of composite and cellular structures.

Partial Contents: Laterally Compressed Metal Tubes as Impact Energy Absorbers; The Static Approach to Plastic Collapse and Energy Dissipation in Some Thin-walled Steel Structures; Crushing Behaviour of Plate Intersections; Energy Absorption by Structural Collapse; Axial Crushing of Fibre Reinforced Composite Tubes; Impact Scalability of Plated Steel Structures; Static and Dynamic Finite Element Analysis of Structural Crashworthiness in the Automotive and Aerospace Industries; Study of The Crash Behaviour of Aircraft Fuselage Structures; Aircraft Crash Dynamics: Modeling, Verification and Application; Application of the Non-linear Finite Element Computer Program DYCAST to Aircraft Crash Analysis; Structural Aspects of Ship Collisions; Collision Resistance of Marine Structures; Analysis of Framework-type Safety Structures in Road Vehicles; and Rail Vehicle Structural Crashworthiness.

From the fundamentals of impact mechanics and biomechanics to modern analysis and design techniques in impact energy management and occupant protection this book provides an overview of the application of nonlinear finite elements, conceptual modeling and multibody procedures, impact biomechanics, injury mechanisms, occupant mathematical modeling, and human surrogates in crashworthiness.