Theoretical prediction and crashworthiness optimization of multi-cell triangular tubes

The triangular tubes with multi-cell were first studied on the aspects of theoretical prediction and crashworthiness optimization design under the impact loading. The tubes׳ profiles were divided into 2-, 3-, T-shapes, 4-, and 6-panel angle elements. The Simplified Super Folding Element theory was utilized to estimate the energy dissipation of angle elements. Based on the estimation, theoretical expressions of the mean crushing force were developed for three types of tubes under dynamic loading. When taking the inertia effects into account, the dynamic enhancement coefficient was also considered. In the process of multiobjective crashworthiness optimization, Deb and Gupta method was utilized to find out the knee points from the Pareto solutions space. Finally, the theoretical prediction showed an excellent coincidence with the numerical optimal results, and also validated the efficiency of the crashworthiness optimization design method based on surrogate models. •The theoretical prediction of triangular cross-sectional tubes under impact loading is given.•Triangular cross-sectional tubes with multi-cell under crashworthiness criterion are optimized.•Optimal solutions by using the theoretical results for triangular tubes with multi-cell are validated.