Effects of halloysite clay nanotubes on the energy absorption and failure mechanisms of glass/epoxy composite tubes subjected to quasi‐static axial crushing

Abstract

The capability of a structure to absorb enormous amount of energy is a crucial issue, particularly for structural components of vehicles, in decreasing the injury in case of collision. The current study investigates the impact of the presence of halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) on crashworthiness performance of glass/epoxy energy absorbent composite tubes. Specimens filled with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt% of HNTs were manufactured via wet‐wrapping process and tested under quasi‐static axial crushing. The crush load–displacement response, initial crushing load Pip, average crushing load (Pavg), crushing force efficiency (CFE), absorbed energy (U), specific absorbed energy (SEA) for the proposed composite tubes were determined and discussed. The crushing behaviors for all specimens were traced. Results indicated that the specimens' failure mechanisms and the energy absorption capacities of nanofilled glass reinforced epoxy composites are controlled by wt% of HNTs. The presence of HNTs improves the energy absorbing capacities of glass/epoxy composites during the crushing process. Composite tubes filled with 4 wt% of HNTs are recommended as energy dissipating elements in vehicles. Weibull distribution was applied to show the failure probabilities and the scatter in the output data. The obtained failure probability graphs are important tools for helping the designers to understand and chose the suitable material for the required design.

Metal/polymer composite cylinders for crash energy absorption applications

“…[ 6 ] These properties make composites an attractive design option for many industrial applications. [ 7 ] However, the complex process and design of any polymer composite structure make its cost much higher than that of traditional metals. Also, unstable local buckling and brittle rupture failure modes may occur when polymer composites are subjected to impact loads.…”

Energy absorption characteristics of E-glass/epoxy over-wrapped aluminum pipes with induced holes: an experimental research

“…On the other hand, PCs fail progressively which improves the energy absorption and they have lower density than metals, which enhances the specific properties and reduces the overall weight of the vehicle and consequently reduces the vehicle's fuel consumption 13 . Also, if PCs are appropriately designed, they could gradually crash and delaminate to dissipate the impact energy [14][15][16][17] . PCs are characterized by their excellent specific stiffness and strength, outstanding energy absorbing capacity, non-conductivity, good corrosion resistance, and high thermal insulation [18][19][20][21] .The advantages of increased specific strength and stiffness of FRP as well as the toughness of the metals can be combined to create hybrid structures out of metals and fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) 22 .…”

Multi-response optimization of crashworthy performance of perforated thin walled tubes

“…67 Owing to the ease, low-cost option and minimal infrastructural requirements, 68 wet-warp process has been adapted by numerous researchers. 6,12,57,69,70 Also, wet-warp process permits producing both simple and complex shapes. The steps of the fabrication procedure are schematically represented in Figure 2, and they are as follows:

Figure 2.A schematic diagram for the test specimen fabrication cycle.

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