Crashworthiness Analysis of Thin-Walled Square Columns with a Hole Trigger

Thin-walled structures dynamically loaded with an axial force are the subject of this study. The structures work as passive energy absorbers by progressive harmonic crushing. The absorbers were made of AA-6063-T6 aluminum alloy and subjected to both numerical and experimental tests. Experimental tests were performed on an INSTRON 9350 HES bench, while numerical analyses were performed using Abaqus software. The energy absorbers tested had crush initiators in the form of drilled holes. The variable parameters were the number of holes and their diameter. The holes were located in a line 30 mm away from the base. This study shows a significant effect of the hole diameter on the values of the stroke efficiency indicator and mean crushing force.