Dynamic axial compression of aluminum hollow tubes with hat cross-section and buckling initiator using inertia force during impact

The aluminum tubular structure with hat-shaped cross-section was axially compressed under the dynamic condition. The crush strength was larger for the bonded structure than that for the riveted one. The crush strength level was remarkably dominated by the plastic deformation behavior at the double-walled flange. The method to initiate the first plastic buckling lobe was demonstrated, where the inertia force in the early stage of impact was exploited. The method uses the solid block attached to the structural wall causing the wall bending force. It successfully worked without changing the energy absorption performance of the structure.

► Crush strength of the tubular hat structure was estimated for the riveted or adhesive bonded structures.
► Crush strength is strongly affected by the plastic deformation behavior at the double-walled flange and the hat part.
► New buckling initiator using the inertia force during impact worked successfully.
► Proposed buckling initiator does not decrease the energy absorption efficiency of the structure.