Papers by Keyword: Finite Element Method Software

Abstract: Cork is a natural cellular material which has been used for centuries, in natural and agglomerate forms, mainly for applications related to the wine, the automotive and the construction industries. It is a very durable and ecological material, used for thermal, acoustic and vibrating insulation as well as packaging, among others. This paper highlights some of the aspects of a topic of great interest, not much explored yet, which consists of the study of the dynamic mechanical behaviour of innovative structures incorporating cork, dedicated to energy-absorption. Experimental and numerical tests, using the finite element method software LS-DYNA™, were performed in order to evaluate the effects of filling agglomerate cork inside thin-walled metallic tubes, with variable geometries and thicknesses, impacted uniaxially at quasi-static and high strain rates. Some relevant comparisons were carried out and the results obtained allowed concluding that cork might be a viable energy-absorbing material for application in some metallic structures subjected to impact loadings.