Designing of Conical Energy Absorber with Internal Pressure by Enhanced Vibrating Particle System Algorithm

Abstract

Energy absorbers convert kinetic energy into other forms, including the energy required for plastic deformation. They are designed to minimize damage during collisions and enhance passenger safety. Thin-walled structures—commonly used as energy absorbers—are manufactured in various shapes, such as cylindrical, square, and conical. In this study, three geometrical parameters including the diameter, thickness, and conical apex angle, along with the internal pressure of the absorber prior to deformation, were considered as design variables. The objective was to maximize total energy absorption, which includes both the energy used for plastic deformation and the work done by gas compression inside the absorber. To predict absorber behavior, a full factorial design of experiments (DoE) approach was used. The finite element method was employed to calculate the energy due to plastic deformation and the energy exchange under adiabatic conditions. Additionally, the energy due to gas compression inside the absorber was calculated. Subsequently, the optimal design was identified using the vibrating particle system (VPS) optimization algorithm. The results of the optimal design indicate a 16% increase in energy absorption capability for the conical absorber with internal pressure compared to a similar absorber without internal pressure.