Prediction of Energy Absorption of Al-Based FGM Crash Box under Quasi-Static and Dynamic Loading

In this study, simulations of quasi-static and dynamic loading on the Al functionally graded materials (Al FGM) crash boxes are carried out. The FGM crash box is fabricated by heat treatment method. Five different crash boxes, namely FGM0, FGM1, FGM2, FGM3 and FGM4 for the different heat treatment temperatures of 25, 500, 520, 540 and 560 °C, respectively are investigated. The simulation results of quasi-static loading test show that FGM1 has the maximum force of 97.515 kN and the highest specific energy absorption (SEA), 33.029 kJ/kg. As for dynamic loading test, FGM3 has recorded the highest maximum force, 59.379 kN and FGM2 has recorded the highest SEA, 24.17 kJ/kg. It can be concluded that the strength and SEA of crash box is increased by introducing FGM concept.