Impact Energy Absorption Capability of Magnesium Alloy Pipe

Weight reduction is effective for improving fuel efficiency of automobiles. Although magnesium is widely recognized as the lightest structural metal, applications for the automobile are limited because of the relatively low ductility, toughness, impact resistance and fatigue resistance. The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact energy absorption capability of a magnesium alloy pipe by a numerical simulation. First of all, finite element (FE) analysis of impact compression of magnesium alloy pipes was performed to design the shape of anvils for a dynamic compression experiment. The compression tests were conducted at a high strain rate on two Mg alloys, AZ31 and Mg-0.6Y, to examine the deformation response. The load-displacement data obtained were compared with the results of FE analysis to validate the simulation. The FE analysis revealed that the AZ31 pipe fractured at an early stage of deformation, while the Mg-0.6Y pipe fractured at about 90% compressed. As a result, Mg-0.6Y pipe exhibited lower yield strength, but a higher absorption energy capability than AZ31 pipe due to a weakened basal texture.