Energy Absorption Performance of 3D-Printed Windowed Structures Under Quasi-Static Axial Loading Condition

Abstract

This study aims to examine the deformation properties and crashworthiness performance of square tubes manufactured from 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA), which incorporate window features. Four distinct parameters are analyzed, each assessed at three different levels. These parameters include: window end shape (rectangular, round, and triangle), window length (20, 25, and 30 mm), window width (3, 6, and 10 mm), and window number (2, 4, and 6). The structures underwent quasi-static axial compression loading to evaluate their performance under compressive loading. Throughout the testing process, comprehensive data were collected, including the load and energy absorbed during compression and the resulting displacement responses. Additionally, detailed records of the failure histories for each tube were maintained. The assessment of crashworthiness involved the measurement of several critical indicators: the initial peak crash load (\({\text{F}}_{\text{ip}}\)), the total energy absorbed (U), the mean crash load (\({\text{F}}_{\text{m}}\)), the specific absorbed energy (SEA), and the crash force efficiency (CFE). To determine the most effective configuration, a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) approach was utilized. This analysis revealed that the Rd/L25/B6/N2 combination offered the best performance in terms of crashworthiness.