journal article·2026-04-25Open access

Design and Optimization of Expansion-Tube Energy-Absorbing Structures with Gradient Stiffness

Tao Wang, Zean Mao, Tengfei Chen, Huan He

Applied Sciences· Volume 16· Issue 9

Abstract

Conventional uniform-thickness expansion-tube energy-absorbing structures suffer from excessively high initial peak crushing forces (IPCFs) and sub-optimal energy absorption efficiency. Inspired by the gradient stiffness characteristics of the inter node-to-node structure in Buddha’s Belly Bamboo, this study proposed an expansion-tube energy-absorbing structure design featuring a gradient stiffness. An LS-DYNA finite element simulation model was first established, validated through experimental results, and subsequently subjected to multi-objective optimization. The analysis results demonstrate that the stiffness-gradient expansion-type energy-absorbing structure designed in this study not only effectively reduces the IPCF during energy absorption but also further enhances its buffering and specific energy absorption (SEA).
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Cellular and Composite Structures · Vibration Control and Rheological Fluids · Composite Structure Analysis and Optimization

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of National Safety and Emergency Management, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China

College of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China

College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China

Institute of Vibration Engineering Research, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautic, Nanjing 210016, China

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