Evaluation of crushing and energy absorption characteristics of bio-inspired nested structures

Mimicking anatomical structures like bone can aid in the development of energy absorbing structures that can achieve desirable properties. Accordingly, this study presents the analysis of tubular nested designs inspired by Haversian bone architecture. Based on this design philosophy, a total of 18 nested tube designs with various geometrical configurations were developed. Within each design, the effect of reinforcement walls on the crashworthiness performance is also analysed. A finite element model, validated using quasi-static experimental tests, was used to study the crashworthiness performance and progressive deformation of the nested system. Based on the results, a multi-criteria decision-making method known as Technique of Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was employed to determine the most suitable cross-section that features high energy absorption and low impact force. Consequently, the study identified a nested tube configuration that exhibits superior crashworthiness and high energy absorbing characteristics. The bio-inspired design methodology presented in this study allows the exploitation of variable nested geometries for the development of high-efficiency energy absorbing structures.