Dynamic Behavior of Discretely Bonded Cross Tube With Functionally Graded Cellular Structure

Thin walled members are commonly used in vehicle’s frontal chassis to provide protection and damage attenuation to the passenger cabin in the case of an impact loading. These structural members undergo progressive deformation under axial loading. The type of deformation mode is critical as it defines the overall configuration of force-displacement curve. There are different types of deformation modes for cross tubes under axial loading. Likewise, the cellular structures exhibit distinct deformation modes under in-plane loading. The work presented here investigates the effects of bonding of cellular core structure on deformation modes of cross tubes under axial loading. The results show that partial, or discrete bonding of cellular core with the tube has significant effect on progressive deformation of tubes and therefore, presents an opportunity to re-configure force-displacement curve for improved protection of automobile structures under impact loading.