Geometric impact on the implosion energy and failure mechanics of carbon composite tubes

Abstract

A parametric study on the implosion of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite tubes is conducted to determine effects of geometric scaling. Experiments are performed in a pressure vessel designed to provide constant hydrostatic pressure through the collapse. Roll-wrapped carbon fiber/epoxy tubes with identical wall thickness, length, and layup are studied to explore the effect of diameter on the modes of failure and strength of pressure pulse. 3-D digital image correlation technique is used to capture the full-field deformation and velocities. Dynamic pressure transducers measure the pressure pulses, and that data are used to determine energy released in the collapse. Results show that by changing the radius-to-thickness ratio, very different failure modes are caused in the structure, which has significant effects on the pressure trace and resulting energy released.