Load/displacement and energy absorption performances and improvements of structural members under tensile and compressive loading conditions.

The research programs detailed in this thesis focus on the load/displacement and energy absorption performances and improvements of structural members under tensile and compressive loading conditions. A theoretical model for the prediction of energy absorption capabilities of aluminum foam filled braided stainless steel tubes under tensile loading conditions has been developed based upon the unit cell concept. Comparisons between the energy absorption predictions of the analytical model and experimental observations were found to be in good agreement for assembly lengths of approximately 400 mm. Experimental investigations were also completed for energy absorbers which function under axial compressive loading conditions. The crush characteristics and energy absorption capacity of AA6061-T6 extrusions with centrally located through-hole discontinuities were investigated and analyzed. Three different types of geometrical discontinuities, namely, circular, slotted and elliptical holes were fabricated into AA6061-T6 extrusions which had a length of 200 mm, nominal side width of 38.1 mm and wall thickness of 3.15 mm. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2005 .C447. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 44-03, page: 1485. Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2005