Energy absorption of braided composite tubes under quasi-static combined shear-compression loading

In this paper, the energy absorption performance of braided composite tubes under combined shear-compression loading is investigated. ABAQUS/Explicit is employed to analyze the energy absorption of braided composite tubes, and quasi-static compression tests are carried out. Braided composite materials absorb energy through the damage accumulation in laminate. Thus, to maximize energy absorption performance, a progressive crushing mode should be induced. While extensive research has been conducted on cases of axial loading, understanding of the energy absorption performance of braided composite tubes under combined shear-compression loading remains limited. Experimental results reveal that under both axial and combined shear-compression loading at 30 degrees, the braided composite tube exhibits a progressive crushing mode. The test results are utilized to validate the finite element model. Through finite element analysis, it is confirmed that the damage accumulation in laminate is maximized due to the induction of a progressive crushing mode. It means that the energy absorption principles of braided composites apply similarly to combined shear-compression loading, allowing for the maintenance of superior energy absorption performance of braided composites under various load angles.