Crashworthiness of Cork Structures Based on Numerical Approaches

This chapter discusses the use of cork-based materials in crashworthiness applications, focusing on numerical approaches to evaluate their performance. Cork, as a natural cellular material, offers excellent energy absorption capabilities while being lightweight and environmentally friendly. Agglomerated cork behaviors have been mathematically described using a wide range of material models, such as MAT_HONEYCOMB and CRUSHABLE FOAM. Cork-filled structures have been compared by numerical studies relative to empty ones as well as with aluminum foam and other cellular materials. The results demonstrate that cork-filled parts, such as sandwich beams or columns absorb more energy compared to solid sections and empty tubular ones. While aluminum foam outperforms cork in some respects, cork exhibits superior specific energy absorption. In general, agglomerated cork reveals good results regarding energy absorption and specific energy absorption being considered an adapted material for crashworthiness applications.