Crushing Analysis of Novel Bionic Multi-cell Double Corrugated Tube Under Axial Loading

Multi-cell structures and corrugated tubes illustrate excellent energy absorption capacities. Besides, bamboo with continuously changing contours demonstrates superior impact-resisting capacities. As a result, a bionic multi-cell double corrugated (BMDC) tube, inspired by Buddha bamboo, is investigated to assess whether it is an ideal energy absorber candidate. Compared to a corrugated tube, a BMDC contains an outer structure, an inner structure, and diaphragms, which are like webs bridging the inner and outer structures. A basic numerical model is correlated using a physical experiment, followed by an investigation of BMDC tubes' energy absorption performance under axial loading, considering thickness and mass effects. Results indicate that the EA, MCF, and SEA of a BMDC containing 5 diaphragms (BMDC-5) with a 1.5 mm thickness can improve their respective responses by 112.89, 112.89, and 83.32% higher compared to a BMDC with no diaphragm (BMDC-0). In addition, the BMDC-5 with 0.156 kg mass generates the highest EA, MCF, and SEA, which is 79.78% higher than a BMDC-0 with the same mass. The parametric analysis illustrates that diaphragms' amplitude and diameter have a decisive influence on energy absorption characteristics. This study emphasizes that BMDC tubes are innovative and practical, possessing excellent energy absorption performance.