Effects of buckling initiators on mechanical behavior of thin-walled square tubes subjected to oblique loading

► Buckling initiators increase the crush force efficiency of the thin-walled tubes. ► Energy absorption for the highest initiator at the opposite of the first contact side is greater. ► The crush force efficiency of specimens whose initiators located at top end is greater. ► CFE of specimens with highest initiator at first contact side is greater for higher loading angles.