Classification of the axial collapse of cylindrical tubes under quasi-static loading

Abstract The results of an experimental investigation of the axial crushing modes and energy absorption properties of quasi-statically compressed aluminium alloy tubes are presented. In particular, the influence of tube length on these properties is discussed and quantified and a classification chart presented. This chart together with other experimental data, enables a designer to predict the energy absorbing properties of a given tube as well as its mode of crushing.