Dynamic simulation and energy absorption of tapered thin-walled tubes under oblique impact loading

In real-world impact loading situations the structure could be subjected to both axial and off-axis loads. Tapered thin-walled rectangular tubes have been considered desirable impact energy absorbers due to their ability to withstand oblique impact loads as effectively as axial loads. Despite this, relatively few studies have been reported on the response of such structures under oblique loading. The aim of this paper is to compare the energy absorption response of straight and tapered thin-walled rectangular tubes under oblique impact loading, for variations in the load angle, impact velocity and tube dimensions. It is found that the mean load and energy absorption decrease significantly as the angle of applied load increases. Nevertheless, tapering a rectangular tube enhances its energy absorption capacity under oblique loading. The outcome of the study is design information for the use of straight and tapered thin-walled rectangular tubes as energy absorbers in applications where oblique impact loading is expected.