Multi-Objective Optimization of the Bio-Inspired Nested Multi-Cell Tubes

Passive vehicle safety devices rely on lightweight thin tubes as impact energy-absorbing boxes, which efficiently absorb and dissipate collision energy. This paper introduces a novel type of energy-absorbing tube, the bio-inspired nested multi-cell tube, inspired by the microstructure of wood. Three variations of this tube with different cross-sections were investigated and compared under axial impact using a nonlinear finite element method. The cross-section and geometrical parameters of the bio-inspired nested multi-cell tube were found to have significant effects on its crashworthiness performance. To optimize the structure for crashworthiness application, a hybrid multi-stage optimization decision system was proposed, combining a decision-making method and a multi-objective optimization approach. This study provides an effective tool for the analysis and optimization of energy-absorbing boxes in terms of crashworthiness.