Improving the energy-absorbing properties of hybrid aluminum-composite tubes using nanofillers for crashworthiness applications

Abstract

Thin-walled tubular configurations with hybridization concept have been gained special consideration in recent years owing to their substantial balance between light-weight characteristics and crashworthiness performance. In this context, some research studies have been concentrated on the feasibility of a thin-walled metal-composite hybrid tube. It is also eminent that the impact energy absorption capability of such hybrid tubes can further be enhanced through modification of the epoxy matrix by adding nanofillers. In this research article, aluminum-based multiwalled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy composite cylindrical tubes are introduced, and their corresponding quasi-static crushing behavior, subjected to lateral loading is examined experimentally. The influence of the number of fabric plies (2, 3, and 4) and type of fabric (basalt, glass) of the composite part on the crashworthiness characteristics was evaluated. The overall outcomes revealed that the proposed hybrid tube samples showed outstanding energy absorption characteristics, comprising a stable crush force–deformation response and better specific energy absorption. It is also noted that the deformation behavior and energy absorption capability of the aluminum tubes could be considerably improved by applying a nanocomposite-wrapped plies.

Potentiality of halloysite nanoclay on crashworthiness performance of polymer composite tubular elements

“…52 Composites with nanofillers attain visible improvements in energy absorption which is important in vehicle structures design. 37…”

“…52 Composites with nanofillers attain visible improvements in energy absorption which is important in vehicle structures design. 37 The outstanding enhancement in P ip and P avg of nanofilled glass/epoxy composite tubes is due to the substantial surface area to volume ratio of HNC that generates an ultimate interfacial area around HNC. The nearby polymer chains will be disordered creating interphase zones of distinct properties.…”

Novel energy absorbent composites for crashworthiness applications

“…This result agrees with that reported by Zhang et al; 91 Abd El-Baky and Attia. 71,92 As stated by Young et al; 30 Kumar et al, 48 composites with nanofillers attain visible enhancements in fracture toughness and energy absorption which could be important in designing vehicle structures. As reported by Fathy et al, 80 the enhancement in the properties can be explained by the large specific surface area of the nanoparticles, which leads to an increase in the mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix.…”

CFRP cylindrical tubes equipped with thin-walled semi-circular lateral corrugated inner stiffeners subjected to quasi-static latitudinal impact

“…Additionally, previous researchers only focused on the crashworthiness of the thinwalled energy absorber tubes when subjected to axial crushing loads, lateral compression, or three-point bending. [37][38][39][40][41][42] According to the literature review, there will be a significant improvement in bending stiffness, structural crashworthiness, and weight reduction if a semicircular lateral corrugated CFRP core is applied to the cylindrical tube.…”