Energy-absorbing performance of multi-segmented conical tubes with different connections

Thin-walled tubes are widely used in vehicle engineering due to their exceptional energy absorption capabilities. This study presents a series of multi-segment tapered tubes (MSTs) characterized by varying connection angles and segment counts. The MSTs are designed by establishing different connection angles (α) between adjacent tapered segments. A finite element (FE) model was developed to simulate axial impact loading, which was subsequently validated using the simplified super-folded element (SSFE) theory. The crashworthiness of MSTs with varying connection angles was analyzed. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) When α exceeds 10°, an increase in α leads to a gradual decline in the energy absorption efficiency of the MSTs, resulting in a “descending” load-displacement curve; (2) MSTs with α less than 0° exhibit a greater tendency to buckle under load and demonstrate a more rapid response to external forces; (3) Compared to corrugated straight tubes, the configuration featuring α = −30° and +30°, consisting of three segments and a cone angle of 7.5° (designated as MST3-7.5), significantly enhances specific energy absorption (SEA) and reduces the initial peak crushing force (IPCF).