Optimum design for energy absorption of square aluminium columns with aluminium foam filler

The performance in axial compression of square aluminium columns with aluminium foam filler has been assessed based upon existing design formulas for average crush force, maximum force and effective crushing distance. Using an optimisation algorithm, the combination of (1) foam density, (2) column wall thickness, (3) column width, (4) column material strength and (5) total component length giving the component of minimum mass was determined for specific cases. It was found that optimum foam filled columns compared to the traditionally designed non-filled columns showed smaller cross section dimensions in addition to less weight. As a consequence, mass-, length- and volume reductions are possible by utilising foam filler.