Effect of composite material distribution and shape on energy absorption systems

This paper presents the geometry and material distribution influence on energy absorption systems and failure mode of glass epoxy tubes and carbon epoxy tubes in order to improve the structural performances. Experiments were carried out on different types of composite tubes subjected to axial compression load. After collecting the results of the crushing and drawing the load–displacement curve, the initial failure load, maximum crushing load and average load were found. From these parameters, the crashworthiness parameters were calculated. The comparison results between the parameters showed that the best structure of the glass epoxy tubes was the circular tube with eight layers, where produced the highest specific energy absorption at a value of 21.23 kJ/kg.