The Characterization of Energy Absorption and Failure Response of Square Paper Tube by Quasi Static Axial Compression Test

The characterization of mechanical and energy absorption properties of the square paper tube is performed by using the quasi static axial compression test. In the proposed technique, four square paper tubes with various widths of 60 mm, 65 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, and same nominal thickness 2.75 mm, are tested. The load-displacement curve is used for analyzing the buckling failure modes. The results show that the buckling failure initiates at the top end and mid-length of the tube varies with the width of the square tubes. The peak compressive load/energy absorption of the specimens with different width are studied. The results show that the peak compressive load decreases while the energy absorption increases with the increase of the compression stroke. Furthermore, the results also show that the crush force efficiency, the specific absorption energy, and the maximum compression stress decreases with the width of square paper tubes. In general, this study provides a useful information of mechanical and energy absorption properties of square paper tubes and its application as an energy absorber.

Keywords: Square paper tubes; Quasi static axial compression; Buckling failure; Absorption energy