Experimental investigation of the effect of pre-shaping on square section tubes folding behavior

Keywords: Aluminum square section tube, Energy absorption, İnner surface crushing Square section aluminum tubes structures have been used for energy absorption for a long time. It is aimed to improve the energy absorption capacity of the tube structure by crushing it from inside. Within the scope of the study, extruded aluminum (6063) square tubes tubes in T0 and T6 conditions, 60x60mm dimensions with 2mm wall thickness were used. In experimental studies, tubes with crushed or pressed wall, inner reinforced with PVC foam and vulcolon rod were tested under axial load. Force-displacement graphs were drawn from the experiments and the energy absorption capability were calculated. As a result of the studies; it was observed that the absorbed energy increased by 56% if PVC foam was reinforced to 6063-T0 aluminum tubes which were crushed. Crushing into T6 treated tubes increased 63% of the absorbed energy if reinforced with PVC foam and vulcanized spring rod of 80 shore hardness. If the vulcolon rod is 90 shore, it is determined that this value reaches 72%.