Experimental Investigation and Finite Element Analysis of the Inversion of Capped End Frusta as Impact Energy Absorbers

In this paper, an innovative mode of deformation of the frusta is presented and discussed in details. A full experimental investigation for the quasi-static axial inversion of right circular frusta is given. The experimental work includes studying the effect of frusta wall thickness, angle of frusta and material type on the inversion of the frusta. The quasi-static tests were conducted on an Instron Universal testing machine and qualitative dynamic test were carried using Drop Hammer Facility. Finite element (FE) modeling of the inversion mode is carried out by using ABAQUS FE package. Analysis of the deformation modes is examined using a non-linear model of the finite element package. The FE findings are reported and modes of deformation during the inversion of aluminum frusta are described under quasi-static and dynamic cases. Furthermore, a good agreement is reported between the finite element force histories and the experimental results.