An experimental study on the energy absorption capacity of thin-walled castings

The energy absorption potential of high-pressure die cast (HPDC) components made of magnesium alloys AM20, AM50, AM60, AZ91 and the aluminium alloy A356 is investigated using a shear–bolt principle. Both quasi-static and dynamic tests have been performed. In addition, single cast plates of AM60 and A356 alloy with different thickness have been tested in order to investigate the effect of plate thickness on the shear–bolt mechanism. It is found that this deformation principle gives an approximately constant average force during the deformation process. Therefore, thin-walled HPDC components can be suitable as energy absorbing components when using the shear–bolt principle. A simple empirical model for prediction of the average shearing force as a function of plate thickness and bolt diameter is proposed.