Progressive crushing behavior and energy absorption of a unidirectional CFRP plate under axial compression

Abstract

Progressive crushing tests of a unidirectionally laminated carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) rectangular plate were carried out to reveal its continuous fracture behavior and energy absorption. Three types of trigger geometry, chamfer, steeple, and V-shaped, were machined on each specimen. A film-embedded V-shaped trigger was also prepared to investigate the effect of initial cracks on the energy absorption.

The initial fracture behavior strongly affected the ensuing stable fracture process. The V-shaped trigger specimen was robust as the gauge length varied, in contrast to the chamfer and steeple trigger specimens which absorbed less energy with a longer gauge length. A column-like pillar was observed between the fronds during the crushing. Fiber fractures were observed periodically at 50–100 μm lengths in the pillar section, which coincides with the length of the kink band in CFRP ultimate compressive failures. The pillar thickness was a dominant factor in the energy absorption of unidirectional CFRP.

Keywords:

• polymer matrix composite
• progressive crushing
• energy absorption
• compression

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.