Crushing properties of pultruded glass reinforced square tubes

Abstract

This paper reports investigation results of energy absorption properties and precise fracture mechanisms of pultruded FRP square tubes that are extensively being studied in order to replace circular cross-sectional tubes in key areas of energy absorbing car components. The main reason for the replacement of circular tubes is their difficulty in integrating with the geometry of many structural car components. As a result, the ‘big-three’. General Motors. Ford and Chrysler started constructing a database of energy absorption properties for FRP square tubes. Accordingly, the energy absorption properties of the pultruded glass reinforced square tubes are being evaluated herein for that purpose under axial quasi-static crushing. In addition, a systematic step-by-step test procedure is employed in the analysis of fracture initiation and propagation mechanisms. Thereafter, a microscope is used in assessing the fracture morphology.