Effect of structural parameters and materials choice on the mechanical characteristics of expansion tubes

An expansion tube is an ideal energy absorber which dissipates kinetic energy through plastic deformation and friction. There is an urgent need to understand the influence of key parameters such as the semi-angle, tube material, and friction coefficient on the mechanical characteristics of expansion tubes. In the present work, the material properties of expansion tubes were tested under quasi-static loading conditions, and numerical simulations were carried out using a commercial software ABAQUS. The validated finite element simulations revealed that the energy absorption capacity of an expansion tube is significantly affected by the semi-angle, tube material, and friction coefficient. An expansion tube with a parent material of high tensile stress and high tensile stress/density has high energy absorption capacity and high specific energy absorption, respectively. This work would serve as guidance to the structural design and parent material selection for expansion tubes.