Energy Absorption Characteristics of Metallic and Composite Shells

Metallic and composite shells of different sizes and tubes were subjected to axial compression in an Instron Machine. Their progressive failure modes and energy absorption capacities have been studied. In the case of metallic shells, analytical expressions are derived to find the mean collapse load and the fold length based on the formation of plastic hinges. Theoretical results have been compared with experimental results wherever possible. The effect of internal folding on the post-collapse behaviour of round tubes has been discussed and expressions for fold length and post-collapse load compression curves are derived as a function of internal folding. Based on the experimental observations, analysis has been carried out to find the progressive crushing load and crush length in a cycle of round and conical shells. The shells are infilled with polyurethane foam and subjected to axial compression. The effect of foam on the crushing behaviour is also studied. Conical shells of different cone angles varied from 8.5 to 45 and the effect of cone angle on the crushing mode of the conical shells has been studied. Also, a comparative study of metallic and composite shells has been carried out based on the deformation and energy absorption characteristics. The different parameters considered for analysis include effective crushing length and total energy absorbed during the crushing process and the Euler buckling length in metallic shells.