ABSTRACT
The present research treats the crush behavior and energy absorption response of a novel nested tube system as an energy absorber subjected to the oblique compression process. The quasi-static test and dynamic experiments are used to carry out a parametric study of such devices. The research aims at quantifying the robustness of the deformation mode and the energy absorption of empty and foam-filled nested tube systems under oblique impact loading, for variation in the load angle of the nested system. It is evident that in the quasi-static load process, the foam-filled nested tube system is preferable as impact energy absorber due to their capability to withstand oblique load (load angle <10°) as effectively as lateral impact load. In the dynamic load process, the empty nested tube system can withstand oblique load (load angle <30°) as effectively as the lateral impact load. Furthermore, it is found that with the increase of the load angle, the nested tube system can automatically adjust the roles of the inner tubes to get the best deformation mode and energy absorption capability. The energy absorption capacity of the novel nested tube system is better maintained compared to that of represented results of previously published works by other researchers. The novel nested tube system can be widely used in engineering fields for enhancing its crashworthiness under oblique impact.
