Experimental investigation of the quasi-static and dynamic axial crushing behavior of carbon/glass epoxy hybrid composite tubes

Abstract

The energy absorption characteristics of fiber-reinforced composite tubes subjected to axial quasi-static and dynamic crushing were investigated in this research. The influences of fiber volume proportion, ply angle, and loading rate on the specific energy absorption (SEA) were discussed. The SEA of satin weave/carbon unidirectional tape hybrid tubes was more pronounced compared with that of glass weave/carbon unidirectional tape tubes in quasi-static and dynamic tests. The SEA of both tubes was rate insensitive in dynamic tests (7.2 m/s, 10.2 m/s), but the rate effect was remarkable under quasi-static loading (10 mm/min, 600 mm/min). For glass weave of 759/5224 tubes, and carbon unidirectional tapes of G827/5224 tubes with different ply angles and loading rates, the 759/5224 tube shows superior energy absorption capability, and the loading rate effect was observed in quasi-static loading. Finally, the highest mean-load and SEA were obtained when the 759 glass fiber ply angle was equal to 30°, while the lowest energy absorption was observed when the orientation of the 759 fiber plies was ±45°.