Deformation and energy absorption characteristics of thin-walled structures

In this paper, to investigate the design of an energy absorbing street pole, a study of axial crush behaviour of metal thin longitudinal tubes (columns) are investigated along with a number of variables such as cross-sectional shape, shell thickness, as well as the velocity affects on columns. Tests have been carried out on the effects of bedded crumple initiators placed a various heights from the top of the column, in determining the desired value of peak load reduction, along with the effect in energy absorption of the column. With the conclusion of the desired variables for the design of an energy absorbing column, the columns are placed 90 degrees to that of the base of the model street column. Simulation of frontal impact of a vehicle and street column are analysed and compared to that of the energy absorbing street column concept. Studies are carried out by numerical simulation via the explicit finite element code LS-DYAN. Results compare the absorbed energy and the deflection of each variable, and recommend best design for the column structure which improved vehicle crashworthiness.