The crashworthiness performance of stacking sequence on filament wound hybrid composite energy absorption tube subjected to quasi-static compression load

Abstract

This study investigates the energy absorption response of hybrid kenaf/glass fibre-reinforced epoxy when subjected to an axial quasi-static compression load with the effect of three stacking sequence of hybrid kenaf/glass reinforced epoxy. To characterise and evaluate the physical and mechanical properties, the hybrid composite tube was compared with synthetic glass fibre-reinforced epoxy. The hybrid and synthetic composites tube sampling were prepared by using automated filament winding technique which it provides the process with a proper fabricating procedure, quality control and stable process due to the mixture/ratio of the fibre and resin volume controlled by the winding speed and fibre tension. Crashworthiness mechanism of hybrid and synthetic composite tubes specimen were discussed to understand failure modes behaviour and energy absorption characteristics in term of quasi-static compressive response. Four different failure modes were observed in crushing tests as fibre/resin fracturing, local buckling, brittle fracturing and delamination. In the view of fibre stacking sequence aspect, fibre volume fraction in the hybrid specimen (HTS45-A) is a highest compared to other specimen and at the same time alleviates the capabilities in progressive failure with the significant increase 28% of initial peak load and 68% of the energy absorbed compared to the glass fibre-reinforced epoxy tube. Meanwhile, the glass fibre-reinforced tube showed the greatest specific energy absorption characteristics with the lowest initial peak load value with stability in progressive crushing behaviour. Also, experimental results have showed that kenaf fibre could be utilised as a potential reinforcement material in hybridisation with synthetic glass fibre composites as energy absorption tube application.