Energy absorption of aluminum foam filled braided stainless steel tubes under quasi-static tensile loading conditions

A theoretical model to predict the energy absorption capabilities of aluminum foam filled braided stainless steel tubes under tensile loading conditions has been developed and is presented. Experimental testing was completed on braided tubes, with a nominal diameter of 64.5 mm and woven from 304 stainless steel wires with a diameter of 0.51 mm, filled with rectangular prisms of closed cell aluminum foam with densities ranging from 248 to 373 kg/m3. Based upon observations from experimental testing and applying a unit cell concept to the braided tube, a theoretical model which incorporates two stages of deformation was developed. Within the first stage of deformation, which occurs prior to tow lockup of the braided tube, energy absorption is primarily due to compression of the aluminum foam core. After tow lockup has occurred the energy absorption behavior of the assembly is a sole result of the deformation of the braided tube. Comparisons between the energy absorption predictions of the analytical model and experimental observations were found to be in good agreement for assembly lengths of approximately 400 mm. For the tensile loading conditions and geometry of aluminum foam filled braided tubes considered in this research energy absorption ranged from approximately 5.2 to 7.9 kJ with corresponding tube elongations of 400 mm.