Energy absorption characteristics and misalignment design for combined structures with compact units

Abstract

Individual structures have a limited capacity to improve energy absorption solely through geometric adjustments. Enhancing energy absorption through combined methods while maintaining response stability and cost-effective remains challenging. In the study, compact ring-shear structures with superior properties are combined; the energy absorption mechanism of combined structures with multiple compact ring-shear units (CRS) is explored. Impact tests and simulations reveal that increasing the number of identical units in a CRS induces a saturation effect, reducing the stability of energy absorption. A misalignment strategy is proposed to improve performances of the CRS by evenly distributing the peaks of impact force-displacement curves among units. This method significantly improves both energy absorption and response stability of the CRS. The optimal number of units is determined based on the ratio of overlap thickness to ring thickness, with a recommended ratio of approximately 0.5. The impact response of the CRS under oblique impacts and various array configurations is also evaluated, demonstrating stability across different conditions. The practical applicability of the misaligned CRS in confined-space brake systems is validated through design, testing, and simulation. Results show that the misaligned CRS achieves high energy absorption and low response fluctuation, making it suitable for engineering applications requiring efficient impact energy dissipation.