Collapse of thin-wall composite sections subjected to high speed axial loading
by A.G. Mamalis, Y.B. Yuan, G.L. Viegelahn
International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD), Vol. 13, No. 5/6, 1992

Abstract: In this paper, static and dynamic crushing tests in a speed range of 18-24 m/s were conducted on specimens of different geometries: square tube, circular tube, and circular cone specimens made of three different composite materials. Two of the composite materials consist of fibreglass and vinylester resin, but with different fibre contents and ply lay-up. The third is made of fibreglass and polyester resin. This study investigated the effects of specimen geometry and crush speed on the specific energy absorption of these composite materials. It was found that for specimens showing stable crushing, greater thickness lends to reduce the specific energy absorption; square tubes have less specific energy absorption than circular tubes, and greater cone angle results in lower specific energy. Crushing speed does not have significant effect on the specific energy absorption of thin-walled circular or square tubes made of the three kinds of composite materials. However, specific energy of thin-walled circular conical specimens made of polyester resin and random chopped strand mat of glass fibre were reduced by some 35% under a crushing speed of about 21 m/s. It is also clear from this study that at higher crush speeds the crushing mechanisms of tubular specimens with large thickness differ from the static cases.

Online publication date: Tue, 27-May-2014

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