Energy Absorption and Deformation Pattern of Honeycomb Hybrid Crash Box under Frontal Load
Fina Andika Frida Astuti, Moch. Agus Choiron, Anindito Purnowidodo, Yudy Surya Irawan

Mechanical Engineering Department, Brawijaya University

Abstract

Many studies on crash box design have focus to improve energy absorption performance in case of collision. Studies on crash box design are inspired by nature, one of which is the honeycomb design structure. The development of 3D printer technology greatly supports the production of complex design. Polylactic acid (PLA) material with a carbon base has an opportunity as an alternative material for hybrid crash boxes. The purpose of this study is to determine the energy absorption and deformation pattern of the honeycomb hybrid crash box design. The crash box outer wall has a tube cross section using aluminum and honeycomb filled with PLA carbon filament material. The crash box models are varied as circular tube (CT), honeycomb structure (HS), and honeycomb hybrid crash box (HHC). The quasi static test is used with a speed of 5 mm/min. Based on the test results, the honeycomb hybrid crash box deformation pattern is concertina mode. Energy absorption of the HHC design increased by 17.95% compared with sum of absorption energy of CT and HS. This model proves the use of honeycomb filled increases energy absorption of crash box.

Keywords: crash box, honeycomb, hybrid, 3D printing

Topic: Mechanical, Energy Conversion and Storage Technologies