Dynamic energy absorption of structures

This article focuses on the energy absorption of structural systems subjected to extreme loadings which can arise from impact, explosion and various other dynamic events. The dynamic properties of high strength steels are discussed briefly because they have been proposed for energy-absorbing systems in place of the more common mild steel and aluminium alloys. An energy-absorbing effectiveness factor is proposed which compares the dynamic energy absorbed in a device with the energy consumed up to rupture in a uniaxial tensile test specimen, which is made from the same volume of the material. This dimensionless factor is examined for the axial impact loading of thin-walled tubes having several cross-sections and made from different materials. It transpires that the aluminium alloys are more effective than the mild and high strength steels and that circular cylindrical shells are more effective than square tubes and thin-walled tubes having other cross-sections.