Citation

Lalor N, Zotos M. Int. J. Crashworthiness 1996; 1(1): 107-119.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Structural analysis under crash conditions is a very computer-intensive operation, even for relatively simple specimens. In addition, the non-linear nature of this analysis makes it difficult to perform the reverse engineering process to determine how the design of the structure can be improved so that it absorbs more energy. It has been observed that the collapsed state of simple structures bears some resemblance to their high frequency linear modal characteristics. This paper examines such a relationship for tube specimens having circular, rectangular and hexagonal sections and considers possible reasons for the collapse favouring one of the many possible modes of vibration. The paper concludes by suggesting a modal density criterion for the vibration mode selection and presents some evidence for its validity.