Effects of cutout and impact loading condition on crashworthiness characteristics of conical frusta

This study focuses on the axial and oblique low-velocity impact response of thin-walled aluminium conical frusta with circular cutouts at two different locations through experimental and finite element procedures. In this regard, a circular cutout was laterally introduced on 15 degrees, 25 degrees, and 35 degrees semi-apical angled conical frusta at mid-height (0.5 H (c)) and three-fourth (0.75 H (c)) of axis height. The low-velocity axial and oblique impact loading was performed with the perfect and imperfect (i.e. hole) conical frusta by varying the impact angle from 0 degrees to 20 degrees to the frustum axis and impact velocity from 4 m/s to 8 m/s. The changes in energy absorption (E (abs)) and specific energy absorption (SEA) characteristics of perfect and imperfect conical frusta were analysed with the change of semi-apical angle of the frusta, location of the cutout, impact angle and direction of impact. The results show that the crush performance of 35 degrees semi-apical angled perfect conical frustum is found to be better than 15 degrees and 25 degrees semi-apical angled specimens. Further, the SEA capacity of 25 degrees semi-apical angled conical frusta having cutout at 0.75 H (c) is found to be better than the SEA capacity of conical frusta having cutout at 0.5 H (c).

Automated summary

This study focused on the axial and oblique low-velocity impact response of thin-walled aluminium conical frusta with circular cutouts at different locations. The results showed that the crush performance of 35 degrees semi-apical angled perfect conical frustum is better than 15 degrees and 25 degrees semi-apical angled specimens, and the specific energy absorption capacity of 25 degrees semi-apical angled conical frusta with a cutout at 0.75 H (c) is better than that with a cutout at 0.5 H (c).