Axial crushing behavior of foam-filled triangular tube

This paper presents analytical and numerical studies on the crushing behavior of triangular foam-filled tubes (TFFT) subjected to axial compression. Based on the unique folding mode, a theoretical model for the axial crushing behavior of triangular foam-filled tubes is established. Numerical calculations are conducted using Abaqus/Explicit software, and the analytical results match well with finite element results. The effects of tube thickness and foam strength on axial crushing behavior of triangular FFTs are discussed. It is shown that the axial crushing force and energy absorption improves with increasing foam strength and tube thickness. Moreover, the axial crushing force of triangular FFTs increases more significantly as the metal tube thickness increases. The present analytical model provides reliable means to accurately predict the crushing behavior of foam-filled triangular tubes under axial compression.