Abstract
The behaviour of thin cylindrical shells under axial impact load is investigated by both analytical and finite element methods. Energy absorbers are widely used in dynamic systems such as parts of automotive like cylindrical shells behind the bumper. The effects of striker mass, velocity of striker, change of material properties of cylindrical shells, loading and constraints have also been studied. The non-linear, large deformation finite element method package (LS-DYNA) was used for modeling and analysis. In addition, energy absorption of thin cylindrical shells after crash under axial impact and before spring back is studied.
Keywords: crash, energy absorption, axial buckling, cylindrical shells