Abstract
Keywords: sandwich panel, crush behaviour, numerical simulation, LS-DYNA
Aluminium sandwich construction has been recognized as a promising concept for structural design of lightweight transportation systems. The aim of the present study is to investigate, experimentally and numerically, the energy absorbing capabilities of a thin-walled crash-box, made of aluminium sandwich material, for a racing car. The crash-tests were performed for a frontal impact at the velocity of 12 m/s; during the impact were measured the load-shortening diagram, the deceleration and the energy absorbed by the structure. A finite element model is then developed using the non-linear, explicit dynamic code LS-DYNA. To set up the numerical model, a series of strength tests were carried out on aluminium sandwich panel specimen to determine the material properties.