Lightweight cost-effective hybrid materials for energy absorption applications

Abstract The present paper experimentally explores the influence of the fiber hybridization and layering sequence on crashworthiness behavior and deformation history of polymer/metal thin-walled pipes. Jute (J)/glass (G) reinforced epoxy over wrapped aluminum (Al) pipes were prepared via hand wet wrapping then subjected to axial quasi-static compressive loads. The load versus displacement plots and crashing indicators, i.e. peak crushing load ( $${\mathrm{F}}_{\mathrm{ip}}$$ F ip ), mean crushing load ( $${\mathrm{F}}_{\mathrm{m}}$$ F m ), total energy absorption ( $$\mathrm{U})$$ U ) , specific energy absorption $$\left(\mathrm{SEA}\right)$$ SEA , and crush force efficiency $$\left(\mathrm{CFE}\right)$$ CFE were determined. Experimental results revealed that the maximum $$\left(\mathrm{SEA}\right)$$ SEA was recorded for Al/2J/4G/2J pipe with a value of about 42.92 kJ/g, with an enhancement of 20.56% in $$\left(\mathrm{SEA}\right)$$ SEA compared with pure Al-pipes. Al/2J/4G/2J specimens display the maximum ( $$\mathrm{U})$$ U ) , $$\left(\mathrm{SEA}\right)$$ SEA , and $$\left(\mathrm{CFE}\right)$$ CFE and could be employed as energy absorbing members in automobiles.