Special dynamic behavior of an aluminum alloy and effects on energy absorption in train collisions

Dynamic tension tests and compression tests were carried out for 5083-H111 aluminum alloy to investigate the dynamic mechanical behavior and its effect on energy absorption characteristics of an energy-absorbing device. The material constitutive relations were obtained at various levels of strain rates by means of tests. Three material models were performed on the energy-absorbing device of railway vehicles. We investigated the influence of the material dynamic behavior on the energy absorption capability. The results indicate that 5083-H111 aluminum alloy is endowed with negative strain rate sensitivity at medium-low strain rates and possesses the feature of negative and then positive strain rate sensitivity in the range of medium strain rates. The material presents obvious strain rate strengthening effect at high strain rates. Moreover, the order of magnitudes of the strain rate in the train collision is 0-2. It belongs to the medium strain rate. The practical absorbed energy of the structure made of 5083-H111 alloy is less than that of the same structure without regard to the strain rate effect in design phases.