For the structure design requirement of crash safety, the energy absorption characteristics and starting load of inversion tubes were mechanically analyzed and theoretically deduced based on the deformation work method and the plastic hinge energy method. Three theoretical calculation models of starting load were proposed, and the technological factors influencing the starting load were analyzed. Further, the static experiment of inversion tube was performed to obtain the curve of load-displacement. At last, the dynamic energy absorbing process of the inversion tube was simulated by ABAQUS. The results show that the load-displacement curve of inversion tube is stable and the inversion tubes are ideal energy absorbers. The theoretical starting load calculated by deformation work method and plastic hinge energy method is more accurate than that calculated by empirical formula. Therefore, there is the peak of starting load in the dynamic energy absorbing process, which should take full consideration in the design stage of energy absorbers.
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