Baroutaji, A.A.BaroutajiGilchrist, M. D.M. D.GilchristSmyth, D.D.SmythOlabi, A. G.A. G.Olabi2016-09-292017-08-012015 Elsev2015-08International Journal of Impact Engineeringhttp://hdl.handle.net/10197/8001In this paper, the sandwich tubes, which consist of thin-walled circular tubes with aluminium foam core, were proposed as energy absorption devices. The sandwich tubes were laterally crushed under quasi-static loading conditions. Detailed finite element model, validated against existing experimental results, was developed using the explicit code (ANSYS-LSDYNA) to assess the energy absorption responses and deformation modes. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed in parallel with the finite element models to perform both parametric studies and multi-objective optimization in order to establish the optimal configuration of the sandwich tube. Sampling designs of the sandwich tubes were constructed based on a D - optimal design of experiment (DOE) method. Factorial analysis was performed using the DOE results to investigate the influences of the geometric parameters on the responses of sandwich tubes. In addition, multi-objective optimization design (MOD) of the sandwich tubes is carried out by adopting a desirability approach. It was found that the tube with a minimum diameter of the inner layer and a maximum foam thickness are more suitable for use as energy absorbing components.enThis is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in <International Journal of Impact Engineering. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in International Journal of Impact Engineering (VOL 82, ISSUE 2015, (2015)) DOI: 10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2015.01.005.Sandwich tubeEnergy absorbing systemsANSYS-LSDYNAAluminium foamDesign of ExperimentLateral collapseFactorial analysisJournal Article82748810.1016/j.ijimpeng.2015.01.0052016-08-24https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ie/