Numerical and experimental study of energy absorption in multilayer tubes manufactured through spinning forming process under quasi-static axial loading

Abstract

Currently, dual-layer tubes play a pivotal role in sectors like nuclear, oil, gas, and steam generation. Recent research focuses on enhancing energy absorption in these tubes using the spinning forming process. This thin-walled nature benefits their application as efficient energy absorbers in transportation like trains and aircraft. A novel approach integrates coarse and fine-threaded ridges between steel and aluminum layers to create a mechanical interlock using the spinning forming technique. This interlock enhances the bond through flow forming, resulting in robust dual-layer tubes. Interlayer connection strength is rigorously tested through shear tests, pre and post flow forming, indicating a significant post-flow forming enhancement. This process substantially bolsters the overall structural integrity of dual-layer tubes. In crush tests, both single-layer and dual-layer steel and aluminum tubes undergo pressing through flow forming. Comparative analysis of energy absorption parameters—specific energy and crushing percentage—reveals notable performance differences. An annealed version of the tube with an aluminum layer is also included due to prior aluminum layer failures. Among dual-layer samples, the flow formed variant with fine-threaded ribs exhibits superior energy absorption and bonding. Finite element simulation of the pressed dual-layer sample demonstrates an 8.42 % deviation between simulated and experimental energy absorption outcomes. The study highlights that tightly bonded layers result in enhanced bonding characteristics.

Keywords

• Multilayer tubes
• Spinning forming
• Energy absorption
• Quasi-static axial loading
• Finite element analysis