Title: Microscopic failure of thin-walled fibre-reinforced composite frusta under static axial collapse

Authors: A.G. Mamalis, D.E. Manolakos, G.L. Viegelahn, G.A. Demosthenous, S.M. Yap

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Haughton, Michigan, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Haughton, Michigan, USA

Abstract: The present paper deals systematically with the study of micro-failure process during the stable collapse under axial compression of conical frusta made of chopped strand mat fibreglass composite material. Extensive microscopic investigations on the crush zone and a suitable arrangement of strain gauges over the shell wall enables the prediction of failure mechanism characteristics, the strain distribution over the shell body and the crack length developed during crushing.

Keywords: axial collapse; composite materials; conical shells; crashworthiness; fibreglass; fronds; conical frusta; microscopic failures; strain gauges; strain distribution; crack length.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1991.061700

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1991 Vol.12 No.5/6, pp.557 - 578

Published online: 27 May 2014 *

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