This paper presents an experimental investigation on the crushing behavior and energy absorption capacities of two extruded geometric profiles; a cross and rectangle profile. The profiles were commercially produced in alloy AA6063, and are of T6 and T7 tempers. Tensile tests were conducted to characterize the mechanical behavior of each heat treatment and profile for modeling efforts. The specimens were crushed under quasi-static axial compressive loads. Normal modes of collapse were observed for rectangular tubes; however, crushing forces exceeded the test machine's loading capacity for cross tubes. Geometric modifications in the form of horizontal grooves (or triggers) along the cross tube side walls were introduced to promote collapse. These grooves acted as collapse initiators, which promote a controlled, stable, and repeatable folding pattern along the tube length during compression. They also serve as peak force reducers. The preliminary test results show improved symmetric folding modes, as well as tube stability during deformation for the trigger designations. Force-displacement curves are presented to quantify the effect of grooves on the crushing force and stroke.
展开▼
