Crashworthiness Analysis and Multi-Objective Optimisation of Multi-Cell Windowed Structures under Dynamic Impact Loading

Abstract

Applying a windowed design in a thin-walled structure is a method to further enhance the crashworthiness of the structure. In this study, two kinds of windowed designs were introduced into different regions of a multi-cell energy absorption structure to form a multi-cell windowed structure, and its crashworthiness under dynamic impact was studied. Dynamic impact testing and LS-DYNA finite element modelling were combined to calculate the crashworthiness response of the structure. The simulation results show that the use of the windowed multi-cell structure can improve the crashworthiness response of the multi-cell structure. The influence of the windowed design on the structural deformation mode was analysed in detail. In addition, the multi-objective optimization design of different windowed structures was carried out to obtain a comprehensive crashworthiness evaluation, and the results show that the windowed design at the front end of the structure yields good results regarding the initial peak force (PCF), while the windowed design in the middle of the structure can effectively improve the specific energy absorption (SEA) and energy absorption (EA).