Numerical Simulation for Enhanced Energy Absorption of Thin-Walled Rectangular Tube with Trigger Mechanism

Abstract

The current study examines the energy absorber capacities of the aluminum alloy AA6060 material in frontal longitudinal members of the crashworthiness applications. The aluminum alloy is subject of various studies because of its lighter weight, which helps to decrease the fuel consumption, and to protect the environment. The simulations are based on the non-linear finite element (ABAQUC CAD 6.10). The thin walled rectangular tube, enhanced by trigger mechanism, was subjected to direct loading. Elliptical, square, and circular trigger geometries were combined with different trigger positions and reductions. The best achieved result was the energy absorption enhanced by 16.2%, and the CFE enhanced by 16%, which results contributes to the safety of the passengers. This outcome has been given by the elliptical trigger situated at the distance of 50 mm from the free end of the tube with 10% reduction.