Mesoscale study on the mechanical properties and energy absorption characteristics of aluminum foam-filled CFRP tubes under axial compression

This study investigates the axial compression mechanics and energy absorption characteristics of aluminum foam-filled carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) tubes from both experimental and simulation perspectives. Quasi-static compression experiments of aluminum foam specimens, single CFRP tubes and aluminum foam-filled CFRP tubes are carried out. Based on the experimental results, compression simulations are conducted to investigate the structural deformation and the energy absorption characteristics of aluminum foam-filled CFRP tubes at the mesoscale. The effects of structural parameters on the compression mechanics and energy absorption characteristics of aluminum foam-filled CFRP tubes are explored.