Abstract
Commercial finite codes, e.g. the explicit finite element code LS-DYNA, have made significant progress. They have developed and improved to the point of being able to predict the various crash problems, as well as to successfully simulate the collapse of tubular components with a reasonable amount of computer time, allowing such structural crashworthy elements to be designed and analysed without having to build and test expensive prototypes.
This paper deals with the implementation of FE Code LS-DYNA to simulate the crush behaviour and energy absorption characteristics of internally grooved thin-walled PVC tubes subjected to axial compression. The obtained numerical results are compared with actual experimental data from small-scale models and useful concluding remarks pertaining to the design requirements of the crushing process are drawn.