Dynamic behaviour of lightweight automotive materials

The PhD research studied the dynamic behaviour of three types of lightweight automotive materials including aluminium foams, aluminium honeycombs and twinning induced plasticity steels. The strain rate sensitivity, strength enhancement and energy absorption of these materials under dynamic loadings were extensively studied. Analytical models were proposed based on the physical phenomenon observed in experiments. The research presented valuable experimental data and theoretical models for the optimized design of new lightweight vehicle structures. New structures made by these materials have excellent energy absorption capacity in a car crash and, therefore, protect passengers.