Crashworthiness response of honeycomb metallic-GFRP energy absorption devices

Abstract

In this research, an original design of an impact absorber made of a metallic tube with an inner honeycomb-shaped part made of a glass-fiber reinforced polyamide is analyzed. For this task, we have employed the explicit module of the finite element code ABAQUS. The aim is to assess the crashworthiness response of this complete specimen, varying different parameters. For the honeycomb, cell size and wall thickness are the two factors that are changed; whereas only the wall thickness in the metallic tube is variable. The honeycomb height can also be modified, being always equal or smaller than the height of the metallic tube. Two functions are selected as metrics to evaluate the performance of the designs. These functions are the specific energy absorption of the specimen (SEA) and the peak load (Ppeak) produced during the crushing of the part. We have obtained quality results which allow a deep understanding of the crash performance of the absorber. © 2014 WIT Press.