Crashworthiness Behavior of Hollow Al-Based Functionally Graded Material (FGM) Box under Quasi-Static Loading

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the crashworthiness behavior of hollow Al-based functionally graded material (FGM) box. In order to introduce the concept of FGM, several holes are known as trigger points were drilled on a thin-walled Al column. The column was divided into four segments and each segment has a different number of trigger points. The difference number of trigger points on each segment produces the different structural strength. Quasi-static loading test was conducted in order to observe the deformation pattern occurred. The corresponding graph of force versus distance then was analyzed to obtain the value of energy absorption for each sample. Five samples of different segment arrangement were tested, namely, S1a, S1b, S2, S3 and S4. From the results obtained, the sample S1b give the best results with the highest value of energy absorption. This sample is designed with a large number of trigger points in the first segment, followed by a reduced number of trigger points until the end of the segment. The quality of crash box can be improved by introducing FGM concept. This type of crash box is able to produce a grade of absorption crushing energy. Thus it can reduce severity of injury during an accident.