Automotive Composites Consortium Generic Tube Crush Program: Resin Transfer Molded Tubes

Abstract

Abstract This paper provides a brief summary of the major findings of the RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) portion of a generic tube crush study conducted by the Energy Management Working Group (EMWG) of the Automotive Composites Consortium (ACC). A total of 147 crush tests were performed on 55 × 55 mm square hollow tubes using plug-type crush initiators. The principal fiber was E-glass and the resin used was Dow Derakane 411-C50 vinylester. Parameters considered were tube fiber architecture and wall thickness, test crush rate — static vs. dynamic —, and test temperature/humidity. Principle findings were that fiber architecture, tube wall thickness, and whether the test was a static or dynamic crush test all can produce significant differences in tube crush force and specific energy absorption (SEA); also that both tube quality and postcuring are strongly linked to the quality and generality of the information gathered/conclusions that can be drawn.