Numerical Analysis of Double-section Circular Tubes with Dual-variable Attributes Subjected to Axial Impact

Abstract Thin-walled structures serve as energy-absorbing components in the automotive industry. This study proposes a novel double-section circular tube (DSCT) with dual-variable attributes consisting of outer and inner circular structures. The crashworthiness of DSCT is investigated. The existing experiment is employed to correlate the base DSCT computer model, followed by an investigation of the effect of changing length and diameter. Initial peak force (IPF), energy absorption (EA), specific energy absorption (SEA), and mean crushing force (MCF) serve as crashworthiness evaluation indicators. Results indicate that the DSCT with a short outer structure illustrates an 18.12% higher EA and MCF than the corresponding THST. Besides, the DSCT with a shorter inner structure demonstrates a superior EA, SEA, and MCF than the corresponding DSCT with a shorter outer structure. The DSCT, whose diameter of the inner structure is 70 mm, can be a superior energy absorption candidate for EA and MCF. The results provide reliable guidance for designing a novel bi-tubular device.