Comparative Analysis of Energy Absorption Capacity of Single and Nested Metal Matrix Composite Tubes Under Quasi-Static Lateral and Axial Loading

In this paper the behavior of nested tube systems under quasi-static compressive loading is investigated. Two nested tube systems with metal matrix composite are subjected to compressive loads so that in the system A the exterior and interior tubes are under axial and lateral loads, respectively but in the system B the exterior and interior tubes are under lateral and axial loads, respectively. Furthermore, these systems behavior are studied numerically. The results show that energy absorption capacity for both of nested tube systems is greater than the sum of energy absorption capacities of two constitutive tubes when loaded individually. Also, it is shown that the absorbed energy for system A is greater than that of system B. In this research the effects of section geometry and the condition of loading (axial or lateral)of thin-walled tubes on energy absorption capacity and the value of the peak load are studied both experimentally and numerically.