Energy Absorption Capability of Cotton Fiber/Epoxy Composite Square and Rectangular Tubes

ABSTRACT

This paper investigates the energy-absorption capability of natural fiber cotton fabric/epoxy square tubes. The cross-sectional aspect ratio was varied randomly from 0.50 to 2.57. Quasi-static crushing tests in axial and lateral directions were performed. Experimental results showed that the axially loaded rectangular tubes have higher load carrying capacity and energy absorption capability compared to the laterally loaded tubes. However, laterally crushed tubes have stable crush force efficiency; which means they are safer and more stable energy absorber devices. The experiment also showed that the cross-sectional aspect ratio significantly affects the load carrying and energy absorption capability. The buckling failure mode has been identified as the primary failure mode for the rectangular tubes under the different loading conditions. Tubes with cross-sectional aspect ratio of 2.0 have the best load carrying capacity.

摘要

本文研究了天然纤维棉织物/环氧树脂方管的能量吸收能力。研究中随机采用从 0.50 到 2.57 的横截面纵横比，并进行轴向和横向准静态压碎试验。实验结果表明，相对于侧向负载的矩形管，轴向负载的矩形管有较高的负荷承载能力和能量吸收能力。但是，横向粉碎的管具有稳定的压碎力效率，意味着它们是更安全、更稳定的能量吸收装置。实验还表明，横截面纵横比对负荷承载能力和能量吸收能力具有显著影响。屈曲失效模式已被确定为矩形管在不同负载条件下的主要失效模式。横截面纵横比为 2.0 的管具有最佳负荷承载能力。

KEYWORDS:

• Quasi-static crushing
• natural fiber
• crashworthiness

关键词:

• 准静态破碎
• 天然纤维
• 耐撞

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation) through the National Priorities Research Program NPRP # 6-292- 2-127.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation) through the National Priorities Research Program NPRP # 6-292- 2-127.