Metal/polymer composite cylinders for crash energy absorption applications

Abstract

The crashworthiness performance and the deformation history of glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GFRP) composite over wrapped aluminum (Al) cylinders with induced holes were experimentally studied. Specimens were fabricated using wet wrapping by hand lay-up process and tested under quasi-static axial compression. Crashworthiness indicators that is, the initial peak load F ip À Á , mean crush load (F m ), total absorbed energy (UÞ, specific absorbed energy (SEA), and crush force efficiency (CFE) of the proposed cylinders were evaluated. The influence of the number of GFRP plies (P), the diameter (d), and number (N) of induced holes on the crashworthiness performance and the deformation history has also been identified. The experimental outcomes showed that the studied parameters have a significant effect on the crashworthiness performance and the deformation history. Increasing "P" increases F ip , F m , U, and CFE while decreasing SEA. Inducing holes with "d" up to 8 mm reduces F ip , F m , U, SEA, and CFE of GFRP/Al cylinders. After that the trend is reversed for all indicators except for F ip . GFRP/Al cylinders with "N = 2" exhibits lower F ip and higher F m , U, SEA, and CFE than cylinders with "N = 1". Hybridization process and inducing holes could alter Al-cylinders' failure mechanism. The relation between the crashworthiness indicators and the studied parameters has been constructed by response surface methodology (RSM) to be used by the engineering designers. Al-P6-d12-N2 is recommended to be used in crash energy absorption applications that is, energy absorbing device in vehicles.

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

“…According to numerous authors 14,29 , uniaxial quasi-static crush tests do not currently have a standard. Crosshead speed of 10 mm/min was adapted in uniaxial quasi-static crush tests based on many studies in the literature 18,[54][55][56] . Since circular samples absorb more energy and reduce stress concentrations than square or rectangular samples, they were employed to facilitate crushing testing 57 .…”

“…Compared with the intact Al/CFRP tube, of the optimum specimen reduced by 24.32% and SEA is slightly enriched by 0.68%. According to the research done by Alshahrani et al 18 , the criteria that can effectively regulate the performance of crashworthiness and alter the failure mechanism of Al/polymer composite cylinders include the diameter, the number of induced holes, and the number of fiber/epoxy layers.…”

“…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 . Therefore, it is possible to create very desirable energy-absorbing structures by using the right amount of metallic components in combination with FRP composites 23 .…”

“…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] .…”

Lightweight cost-effective hybrid materials for energy absorption applications

“…Finally, treated Al-pipes were washed and dried to be used in manufacturing of hybrid composites 32 . This technique was adapted by many investigators [33][34][35][36][37] who confirmed the success of this technique in enhancing the bond between metal and polymer interface.…”