Crash behavior of box columns filled with aluminum honeycomb or foam

The effect of low density filler material, such as aluminum honeycomb or foam, on the axial crushing resistance of a square box column under quasi-static loading conditions is studied. Numerical simulation shows that in terms of achieving maximum energy absorption, filling the box column with aluminum honeycomb can be preferable to thickening the column;wall. Superior specific energy absorption is also obtained by filling the column with moderate or high strength aluminum foam. Simple formulas for the relationship between mean crushing force and the strength of filler are developed. Moreover, the presence of adhesive increases energy absorption significantly compared to unbonded filling. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.