Failure Mechanisms in Energy-absorbing Composite Structures

Kurzfassung

The paper describes quasi-static tests to determine the energy absorption properties of composite crash energy absorbing segment elements under axial loads. Detailed computer tomography scans of failed specimens are used to identify local compression crush failure mechanisms at the crush front. These mechanisms are important for selecting composite materials for energy absorbing structures such as helicopter and aircraft subfloors. FE models of the failure processes are described which could be the basis for materials selection and future design procedures for crashworthy structures.