Shock Absorption with One-Shot Tubes,
Abstract:
The report covers the investigation of the energy absorbing characteristics of 12 different materials in the form of tubes, using the controlled roll-up principle developed earlier. Two hundred and sixteen separate tubes were tested with many different control combinations. Five of these were drop tests with a 2,500 lb mass. The maximum efficiency attained was 600,000 in.-lb per lb of tube weight. This made use of a 2 inch diameter by .049 wall 4130 steel tube, heat treated to 200,000 psi. The mean compressive stress over the 6 inches of travel was 189,000 psi. The original control rings were improved to give smooth, nearly rectangular energy curves for all desired load levels within the tube limits. Design data is established to provide shock control up to the column or local strength of the tube.