ABSTRACT
Experimental results of some large deformation quasi-static bend tests, carried out on hollow and void filled cantilever beams with a point load at the free end, are described. The beams were manufactured from sheet steel into square closed-hat tubular sections of varying width to wall thickness ratios. Graphs, showing the variation of bending moment with respect to angular deformation for large bend angles, highlight the marked increase in strength of void filled sections compared with hollow sections. Theoretical equations for predicting the bending capacity and residual strength of the tubes are compared with experimental results. Experiments reveal that there is an optimal b/t ratio where maximum benefit can be gained by void filling a square tube. This information may be useful to automotive and structural designers when assessing the crashworthiness of vehicles and structures for different accidents where a large amount of kinetic energy needs to be optimally dissipated to protect occupants or cargo.
