Study on tailored superfolding element theoretical model

Thin-walled tailored tube is a new type energy absorber which meets the demands of both structural light weight and structural crashworthiness. Currently there is neither standard design guide rule nor method for the tailor welded energy absorbers. The thesis establishes the tailored Superfolding Element (SE) which performs asymmetrical or symmetrical folding deformation, through which the axial collapsed behavior of the thin-walled tailored tubes is analyzed. The calculating formulations of mean collapsed load and folding length are deduced based on ideal rigid-plasticity constitutive equation and power-law harden material constitutive model. Test and numerical simulation results demonstrate the validity of tailored SE model in analyzing energy absorption and providing the theoretical basis for the tailored energy absorber in the design of the lightweight auto body.