Experimental and numerical investigation of static and dynamic axial crushing of circular aluminum tubes

A comprehensive experimental and numerical study of the crash behavior of circular aluminum tubes undergoing axial compressive loading is performed. Non-linear finite element analyses are carried out to simulate quasi-static and dynamic test conditions. The numerical predicted crushing force and fold formation are found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. A summary of available analytical solutions is presented in order to estimate the mean crushing load and establish a comparison between these analytical loads and the experimental one. Some observations are made on the influence of geometrical imperfections and material strain rate effect. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.