Energy absorption and load management characteristics of aluminum foam-filled braided tubes.

The work in this thesis presents the test results of an energy absorber that functions under tensile loading. Unlike conventional energy absorbing devices that function in compression, the aluminum foam filled braided tube design has the capability of absorbing energy in tension under quasi-static and dynamic loading. A series of quasi-static tests were performed with various aluminum foam densities to understand the relationship between foam density and energy absorption. It was determined from an analysis of the data that a linear relationship exists between foam density and energy absorption per unit volume of aluminum foam. A numerical model was developed to estimate the energy absorption for a tensile loading condition only. As the dynamic test involves a bending and tensile loading condition, the numerical model is applicable to the quasi-static tests only. The results of this model were compared to the quasi-static test results, with differences ranging from 7% to 59%. Dynamic tests were performed to investigate the energy absorption capabilities of the aluminum foam filled braided tube in an impact loading condition. The tests that were performed used high density aluminum foams in the braided tube assembly. This work outlines the procedures and testing of a unique alternative, namely, an aluminum foam filled braided tube, for energy absorption in tension and bending loading conditions.Dept. of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2003 .P68. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 42-03, page: 1043. Advisers: W. Altenhof; R. Gaspar. Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2003