Collapse characteristics of hydroformed tubes

Abstract

Tube hydroforming technology (THF) has been extensively applied to auto-body structural members such as the engine cradle and side member in order to meet the urgent need for vehicle weight and cost reduction as well as high quality for collision accidents. In this paper, the mechanical properties for hydroformed tubes with various bulging strains under the plane strain mode are experimentally investigated. Axial compression tests for hydroformed tubes are performed to investigate the collapse load and collapse absorption capacity through the collapse load-displacement curves. Moreover, the collapse absorption capacities are compared and discussed among as-received, hydroformed, and press formed tubes. Results demonstrate that the hydroformed tubes show higher collapse absorption capability in comparison with the as-received tube and the press formed tube because of its high yield strength due to strain hardening.