Pre-Tensioned CFRP Tubes for Improved Energy Absorption

Abstract

The use of materials like CFRP has shot into prominence to achieve lightweight designs without compromising on structural integrity. Circular thin tubes are often employed in passenger cars as energy absorbers to absorb the impact energy during an accident. When such tubes are made of materials like CFRP it contributes to weight reduction besides leading to reduced fuel consumption. Also due to their lower weight, such tubes shall be capable of absorbing more energy per unit mass compared to metallic designs, which is defined as specific energy absorption capacity (SEA). Pre-stressing techniques are widely used by civil engineers across the globe to impart more stress/energy bearing capacity for the structures. Based on pre-stressing principles, the introduction of pre-tension during the fabrication stage for thin CFRP tubular structures has been experimentally studied to validate the applicability of pre-stress concepts for more SEA. The study investigates experimentally the additional advantage prestressing can bring for a CFRP tube in terms of SEA improvement.