Effect of geometric parameters on energy absorption properties of nested thin-walled tubes with square cross-section under quasi-static and impact loads: experimental, numerical, and optimization study

This study investigated the effect of geometric parameters on the energy absorption properties of nested thin-walled tubes with square cross-sections. The considered parameters were inner tube eccentricity, rotation angle, and aspect ratio. The tubes were manufactured using 1050 series aluminium sheets and subjected to axial low-velocity impact loads. Also, the structural behavior and parameters effects were studies by simulation. The evaluation criteria were specific energy absorption (SEA) and crush force efficiency (CFE). Furthermore, the optimal parameters were determined using optimization methods. The results indicated that the combined effect of the geometric parameters improved SEA and CFE. Compared with the simple tube, the best-performing tested sample showed average increases of 38% and 31% in SEA and CFE, respectively, under quasi-static loading, and 31% and 36% under impact loading. At the optimum condition, SEA increased by 55% and 43%, while CFE increased by 47% and 64% under quasi-static and impact loading, respectively.