Abstract In this paper, energy absorption and deformation capacity of circular thin-walled members with elliptical cut-outs are investigated both numerically and experimentally. Thin-walled members possess the uniform height, thickness, average cross sectional area, material and volume are subjected to axial quasi-static loading. To conduct such tests, special fixture arrangement is designed for placing the specimen in the compression loading machine. The deformation mechanisms and the corresponding collapse mode along with its energy absorption of the thin-walled tubes were investigated in detail for various aspect ratios (0.315, 0.523, 0.854, 1, 3.375 and 4.08). The explicit finite element code ABAQUS was then employed to perform the numerical studies inview of mitigating the influence of cutout shape, location and symmetry on energy absorption and crush characteristics. In aspect ratio of 4.08, whose major axis length of 24.5 mm observed maximum crash force efficiency (CFE) of 14% possessing symmetric discontinuity. The results of experimental and simulations are in good agreement and shows that the location and symmetry of cutouts had considerable effect on collapse crushing behaviour.

Abstract This paper investigates the mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Metal Matrix Composites prepared using Al7075 alloy as a matrix, Silicon Carbide and Titanium Carbide as reinforcement particles. Two step stir casting process was used to fabricate the composites by varying volume fractions of Silicon Carbide and Titanium Carbide (0 to 15 vol. %). Microstructural analysis, mechanical and corrosion behavior were used to evaluate the performance of the composites. Uniform distribution of reinforcement particle was observed through optical photomicrographs. Vickers micro hardness tests were performed and the hardness values were increased with an increase in reinforcement from 0 to 15 vol. %. The tensile strength of the 10 vol. % of aluminum hybrid matrix composite was better than that of the base alloy. In 3.5% NaCl solution, it was observed that the 15 vol. % of the aluminum hybrid matrix composite have higher corrosion resistance in comparison the base alloy.