Energy Absorption in Carbon Fiber Composites with Holes under Quasi-Static Loading

Composite tubular structures have shown promise as energy absorbers in the automobile industry. This paper investigates absorption characteristics of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) tubes with pre-existing holes. Holes may represent an extreme case impact damage that perforates tube, e.g., stones from road surface impacting tubes. Tubes holes more conservative performance characteristics, since same size will residual material, which carry some load. can provide lower limit CFRP tube under axial crushing relative to damaged perforation diameter close hole diameter. In this study, lay-up [05/902/04] one and two defined locations different diameters are experimentally studied quasi-static loading. It was found specific (SEA) reduces by 50% or 15 mm size, 100 top tube. The SEA reduction is about 60% than regular when 20 located at top. most severe occurs if location single double 75 case, a 75% be expected. Results indicate significantly alter capability also clear composite tubes, (100 mm) appears create pronounced effect itself (15 vs. for cases investigated. failure modes seem preserve similar delamination, frond creation, brittle fracture, typically observed due primarily front end crushing, dominates modes, while induced later.