Progressive crushing as a new mechanism of energy absorption. The crushing study of magnesium alloy crash-boxes

Abstract The article presents the outcome of research concerning the energy absorption of thin-walled structures made of AZ31B magnesium alloy. Tested material cracks brittle during bending at ambient temperature. This well-known problem makes plastic forming of magnesium alloys very difficult. It also causes less frequent use of this material in the production of energy-absorbing elements. Following study demonstrates that the use of proper geometric shape allows to control the process of dynamic crushing and activates a new mechanism of energy absorption that is progressive crushing.