Abstract: The crash processes,peak loads and energy absorption properties of three sets of waved beams with different sizes are analyzed with the explicit finite element code MSC/DYTRAN. Equivalent method is used in the modeling since the FEM code does not have the capability to analyze the energy absorption behavior of composite material. Numerical results of waved beams are compared with the experimental results under quasi-static compressive loads to failure. Good correlation is observed. Based on the above model, the crashworthiness of the waved beam is studied and the data of energy absorption are obtained. In addition, the effects of different settings of trigger mechanism on the peak load are further investigated. One may conclude that it is possible to analyze the energy absorption capability of composite structure by using the MSC/DYTRAN together with the equivalent method.

Key words: composite material, waved beams, energy absorption, FEM, equivalent method