Crashworthiness of aluminum extrusions subjected to oblique loading: experiments and numerical analyses

Oblique loading was studied through quasi-static experiments and numerical simulations. The behavior of square aluminum columns in alloy AA6060 subjected to quasi-static oblique loading was investigated experimentally for three different load angles. The square columns were clamped at one end and oblique load conditions were realized by applying a force with different angles to the centerline of the column. These tests were used to validate a numerical model. Numerical studies of oblique impact were carried out using the validated model, and the mean crush load was investigated through factorial analysis with parameters as load angle, thickness, length, and heat treatment of the alloy and impact velocity.