Implicit Elastoplastic Finite Element Analysis of Groove Tearing in a Splitting Crash Tube

Most finite element analyses of crash-induced energy absorption in structural components have
traditionally employed explicit finite element methods [1], which, despite their robustness in handling
high-speed events, often suffer from limitations in solution accuracy and stability for certain
applications. In this study, an implicit elastoplastic finite element method is adopted to simulate the
deformation and tearing behavior of a circular energy-absorbing tube with longitudinal grooves. The
analysis addresses key computational challenges, including convergence issues, complex contact
interactions, and self-contact during progressive collapse. Particular attention is given to modeling
fracture initiation and propagation associated with the tearing mechanism. Numerical predictions are
validated against experimental results, demonstrating strong agreement and confirming the capability
of the implicit approach to accurately capture the deformation and fracture behavior of the grooved
crash tube, as shown in Fig. 1.