Analyzing and comparing the mechanical behaviors of bio-inspired ribbed rectangular and square tubes

This study delves into the axial crushing behavior of bionic rectangular and square tubes, both with and without ribs, through experimental methods. The bionic structures are meticulously fabricated by integrating thin tubes, thicker ribs, and spot welding. The crashworthiness performance is evaluated for thicker square tubes without ribs and thinner square and rectangular tubes with ribs, taking into account critical factors such as ribs, sections, and spot welding. Compared to the tube without ribs (90902), which has a higher peak crushing force (PCF) of 250.94 kN and a lower crushing force ratio (CFR) of 0.30, ribbed tubes exhibit a 43.24% lower average PCF (142.42 kN), and a 58.47% higher average CFR (0.476). Ribbed square tubes outperform their rectangular counterparts in specific energy absorption (SEA), with BRST1 specimens achieving a 42.94% higher mean SEA (12.75 kJ/kg) compared to BRRT1 specimens (8.92 kJ/kg), despite the latter having a higher PCF. Consequently, the study underscores the effectiveness of incorporating thin tubes with thicker ribs and spot welding in the construction of energy absorbers.