Crashworthy characteristics of thin fibre-reinforced composite frusta under axial collapse
by A.G. Mamalis, D.E. Manolakos, G.L. Viegelahn
International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD), Vol. 10, No. 2, 1989

Abstract: Experimental observations pertaining to small-scale microfracturing, large-scale deformation and the crushing behaviour of thin-walled circular truncated cones (frusta) made of composite material, when subjected to axial collapse, are reported. Contrary to the mechanism of energy absorption when collapsing shells of the same geometry made of ductile materials, energy absorption in the present case is achieved by material fragmentation, i.e. the mechanism of fracture dominates the phenomenon, rather than the plastic deformation. The effect of shell geometry and the composite material properties on the crashworthy characteristics of the structural components is investigated with the aim of cost-effective vehicle design.

Online publication date: Mon, 26-May-2014

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